4 AM Kickoff: Real Madrid's 2025 Debut! Victory Means Top Spot and a 5-Point Lead Over Barcelona

In the early hours of January 4 (Beijing time), Real Madrid will kick off their 2025 campaign with a La Liga Matchday 12 rescheduled clash against Valencia at the iconic Mestalla Stadium. A win in this high-stakes encounter would propel Los Blancos to the top of the league table, opening up a five-point gap over arch-rivals Barcelona. With superstars Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham likely starting together, Real Madrid fans can expect an electrifying offensive display.

Head-to-Head History

The storied rivalry between Real Madrid and Valencia has seen 209 matches across all competitions. Real Madrid boasts a commanding record of 108 wins, 43 draws, and 58 losses. In La Liga alone, the two sides have met 178 times, with Madrid securing 93 wins, 38 draws, and 47 losses.

However, the Mestalla has proven to be a challenging venue for Los Blancos in recent years. In their last six La Liga visits to Valencia, Madrid has managed only one victory, while the hosts claimed three wins and two draws. This historical context underscores the difficulty of the task ahead for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Real Madrid’s Grueling January: Four Competitions in Focus

The showdown against Valencia marks Real Madrid’s first match of 2025, following a historic 2024 in which the club clinched five major trophies: La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. As the calendar turns, Madrid aims to start the new year on a high note.

January promises to be a grueling month for Los Blancos, with the team competing on four fronts. After the Valencia match, Madrid will shift focus to the Copa del Rey’s third round. The squad will then travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Super Cup. Later in the month, Madrid will wrap up their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign with crucial fixtures against RB Salzburg at home and Stade Brestois away. In total, Real Madrid could play up to eight matches in January, testing their squad depth and resilience.

The Stakes: A Chance to Top the Table

Real Madrid enters the match in a tight title race. Atlético Madrid leads the table with 41 points from 18 matches, followed by Real Madrid with 40 points from the same number of games. Barcelona, having played one game more, sits in third place with 38 points.

A victory against Valencia would see Real Madrid leapfrog Atlético to claim the top spot with a two-point cushion. Crucially, it would also extend their lead over Barcelona to five points, a remarkable turnaround given that Madrid trailed their Catalan rivals by nine points just two months ago.

Four Superstars, One Dream: Real Madrid’s Fearsome Front Four

Real Madrid’s anticipated lineup for their 2025 debut features a tantalizing attacking quartet. According to AS, recent training sessions have focused on a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kylian Mbappé leading the line as the central striker. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are set to operate on the left and right flanks, respectively, while Jude Bellingham will slot into the playmaker role just behind Mbappé.

This setup maximizes the creative and goal-scoring potential of Madrid’s star-studded attack. Bellingham, thriving in his advanced midfield role, will be tasked with linking up play and exploiting spaces between Valencia’s defensive lines. Meanwhile, the pace and flair of Vinícius and Rodrygo on the wings, combined with Mbappé’s clinical finishing, promise to keep the Valencia defense under constant pressure.

Probable Starting XI

Real Madrid’s expected lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Lucas Vázquez, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Antonio Rüdiger, Eduardo Camavinga
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos
• Attackers: Rodrygo, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior
• Striker: Kylian Mbappé

This balanced lineup blends defensive solidity with attacking firepower, reflecting Ancelotti’s tactical acumen.

The Mestalla Challenge

Despite their superior squad and form, Real Madrid cannot afford to underestimate Valencia. The Mestalla crowd is known for its passionate support, creating a hostile environment for visiting teams. Valencia’s own ambitions to climb the league table add an extra layer of intensity to this encounter.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation is building for what promises to be a thrilling clash. With the stakes high and the spotlight on their galaxy of stars, Real Madrid will be determined to start 2025 with a statement victory.