For many years, this was one of the flagship La Liga match-ups. Last weekend, Madrid took on another old foe in Deportivo la Coruna, and this weekend they play against another former title rival. However, the difference between the Los Che sides of today and those that were around 15 or so years ago is night and day. No longer do Valencia challenge for titles: they challenge for mid-table spots and, if they are lucky, European football.
A poor summer and a damaged transfer policy has done nothing to correct these flaws for the Mestalla side. A trip to the Bernabeau, then, is hardly likely to give them much belief. Very few players in the Valencia side are impressing, with the likes of Simone Zaza and Rodrigo their rather lacklustre stardust. Add in the fact that top players like Joao Cancelo have went out the door, and finding something to be optimistic about is growing increasingly hard.
The signings of Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jeison Murillo gives the squad a bit of extra depth, while the exciting Carlos Soler and Jose Gaya create a fun left wing for the away side. With all of that in mind, though, they head to a ground that they usually struggle at.
The suspension of Sergio Ramos gives them some kind of hope, but playing against a Madrid side that are unbeaten in 11 at the Bernabeu against their guests means that this is one that has home win written all over it. Valencia are an improving side, in some ways, but they lack anything like the cohesion under new coach Marcelino to make a victory here feel likely.
The form of Real Madrid, too, should see the home side over the line. With 7 wins on the trot, they are in outstanding form. A comfortable home win beckons, even with the likes of Ramos, Ronaldo, Vallejo and Varane missing.