Valencia Host Real Madrid in La Liga With Mourinho's Side Chasing Top Spot

Valencia and Real Madrid meet on Saturday at 21:00 at Mestalla in the 12th round of La Liga, according to EL PAÍS. Real Madrid, coached by José Mourinho, are looking for a victory that would move them closer to the top of the table. Valencia, managed by the Mexican Javier Aguirre, remain in the relegation places and need points urgently.

Why it matters

The timing gives the match extra weight. Atlético Madrid and Barcelona meet on Sunday in what EL PAÍS describes as a crucial clash, so Real Madrid have a chance to gain ground before their rivals play each other. For Valencia, the stakes are different but just as pressing: the club is still in the drop zone and needs results to climb out.

Mourinho keeps the same eleven, with one change in goal

Mourinho has chosen the same starting line-up that played in the clásico, with a single exception: Thibaut Courtois returns in goal in place of Lunin, EL PAÍS reports.

The eleven is: Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Bernardo; Güler, Bellingham, Diomande and Mbappé.

Aguirre's first win offers Valencia a platform

Valencia arrive after their first victory under Aguirre, a 0-1 win over Elche at the Martínez Valero, according to EL PAÍS. That result gave the Mexican coach his maiden win since taking charge of the club, though the team remains in the relegation positions and is in urgent need of points.

Vinicius serves the last match of his suspension

This will be the final game of Vinicius's suspension in La Liga, EL PAÍS reports. The Brazilian will return to competition after the international break.

What to watch: whether Real Madrid can convert their opportunity into three points at Mestalla, and whether Valencia can build on their win at Elche as they fight to leave the relegation zone.