Valencia CF and Getafe CF clash on Friday night in the third round of La Liga, each team chasing points to restore some calm amid the mounting nerves surrounding their campaigns.
Getafe, under Jose Bordalás, have started with two away wins in the league—at Celta Vigo and Sevilla FC—despite the challenge of not being able to register six new signings and ongoing speculation about departures of players like Mayoral or Uche.
Valencia arrive with far greater urgency. After a draw and a defeat to Real Sociedad and Osasuna, a weak start would be a psychological blow ahead of the international break, especially with a return to action that sees them visiting FC Barcelona after the break.
Valencia will be without injured players Thierry Correia, André Almeida and Filip Ugrinic, and they also miss captain Jose Luis Gayà due to a suspension carried from the opening match at Sadar. Getafe, meanwhile, are dealing with six important absences (Álex Sancis, Kiko Femenía, Neyou, Juanmi, Javi Muñoz and Abqar), all because they have not been eligible to be registered in La Liga.
Valencia’s main advantage is the home setting at Mestalla, plus their favorable head-to-head history against Getafe. The two sides have met 23 times at Mestalla, with Valencia recording 15 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats there.
Getafe has won only twice at Mestalla in league matches since the 2017/2018 season under Marcelino; in total they have met seven times in the league and one in the Copa del Rey at the stadium, with Valencia taking the last four meetings in all competitions.
Match details
– TV: Movistar LaLiga
– Radio: Temps de Futbol en Valencia Capital Radio
– Referee: Francisco José Hernández Maeso
– Kick-off: 21:30
– Stadium: Mestalla
What to watch
– Valencia will look to leverage home comfort and their historical edge at Mestalla to steady a fragile start.
– Getafe will rely on collective discipline and counter-attacking resilience to overcome their injury and registration constraints.
– The game could set the tone before the international break, with Valencia aiming to head into the break with momentum and Getafe seeking consistency away from home.
Summary
Valencia hosts Getafe in a clash shaped by contrasting early-season fortunes and important squad constraints, with both sides aware that three points are essential to restore confidence and momentum before the next round of fixtures. A disciplined display at Mestalla could be the turning point for either side as they seek to avert growing pressure.