Valencia vs Real Betis: La Liga Clash Preview

The Mestalla Stadium is set to host a crucial La Liga encounter as Valencia welcomes Real Betis on Sunday, November 9, 2025. This match pits a side fighting relegation against one pushing for European qualification, promising tactical intrigue and high stakes.

Team Form and Current Standings

Valencia enters this fixture in dire straits, sitting 18th in LaLiga with just nine points from 11 matches. They've managed only two wins all season, with a concerning run of four defeats in their last five league games. Their recent 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid highlights their defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 20 goals – the third-worst record in the league.

Conversely, Real Betis arrives in vibrant form, sitting fifth with 19 points. They're unbeaten in three matches across all competitions, including a 2-0 Europa League victory over Olympique Lyon. Their away record is solid too, with seven points from five road games, though they've drawn four of those fixtures.

Key Players to Watch

Valencia: Nigerian forward Arnaut Danjuma (3 goals, 1 assist) and Hugo Duro (3 goals) carry the attacking burden. Creative midfielder Luis Rioja leads assists with three chances created per game, while Javi Guerra adds creativity from midfield.

Real Betis: Cucho Hernández heads the attack with four goals and two assists. Brazilian winger Antony has been a revelation since joining permanently from Manchester United, netting four goals in 10 appearances. Pablo Fornals (2 goals, 4 assists) orchestrates the midfield with vision.

Key players Arnaut Danjuma (Valencia) and Cucho Hernandez (Real Betis) battle for possession - Image from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yptPWF3yyg

Team News and Possible Lineups

Valencia will be without defenders Dimitri Foulquier and Mouctar Diakhaby, plus midfielder Filip Ugrinic. Largie Ramazani remains sidelined with a muscular issue. Manager Carlos Corberán is expected to recall Hugo Duro and Javi Guerra to the starting XI after their bench role against Real Madrid.

Real Betis has injury concerns of their own, with Junior Firpo, Pau Lopez, and Isco all ruled out. Manuel Pellegrini is likely to feature Sofyan Amrabat, Héctor Bellerin, and Marc Bartra after resting them midweek. Antony is guaranteed a start after his recent form.

Head-to-Head History

Valencia historically dominates this fixture with 68 wins compared to Betis's 44 in 151 encounters. Last season, they won 4-2 at Mestalla and drew 1-1 away. The reverse fixture saw emotional scenes with tributes for victims of the DANA storm, featuring goals from César Tárrega, Hugo Duro (2), and Diego López for Valencia.

Historic Mestalla stadium during a previous Valencia vs Real Betis encounter - Image from https://sports.yahoo.com/article/preview-valencia-vs-real-betis-163500662.html

Prediction and Key Matchups

Despite Valencia's struggles, their home form has been decent (only two defeats in five games). Betis's tendency to draw away games suggests a low-scoring encounter is likely. The battle between Valencia's leaky defense (20 conceded) and Betis's attack (18 scored, fifth-best) could decide the outcome. We predict a 1-1 draw, with Valencia's desperation potentially earning them a point.