After a stormy exit at El Sadar last Saturday, Valencia CF returns on Friday to their stronghold, Mestalla, with a clear objective: secure the first official win of the season after taking just one point from the opening two rounds.
The match, kicking off at 21:30 local time, pits Valencia against Getafe, the “team of the moment” at the start of the campaign, under the guidance of José Bordalás. Valencia know they must lift their performance to please a demanding home crowd and end a shaky start before the upcoming international break. A victory would send a message to rivals and give the team real momentum as they head into the break.
Getting three points won’t be easy. Getafe arrive in good form and with a few caveats of their own: the Madrid club, grappling with financial problems that have left several players unregistered, may have to trust what they have on the pitch while hoping to move more players on in the coming days. Corberán will be keeping a close eye on any late moves that could bring fresh faces or departures before the window closes.
What is clear is that Bordalás’ side will be a stern test. Valencia will need to match Getafe’s intensity and resilience from the opening whistle if they want to avoid a second straight stumble.
Possible changes to the starting XI
Corberán could enact some notable changes for the third match of the season. One change is almost guaranteed: Jesús Vázquez will start at left-back, taking the place of José Luis Gaya, who misses out due to a suspension from the El Sadar fixture.
The captain’s absence will be felt, and André Almeida and Ugrinic are set to be sidelined by injuries. Thierry, still re-adapting after a serious injury, won’t be involved, nor will Canós, whose future with the club remains unsettled. As the week progressed, the coach experimented with options in training, suggesting two players who have not yet been regulars could be expected to feature.
One potential reshuffle sees Mouctar Diakhaby coming back into the defense alongside César Tárrega in central pairing. In midfield, Baptiste Santamaría is anticipated to take on a holding role, potentially at the expense of Pepelu, who hasn’t had the best start to the season.
In attack, the choice of the central striker remains open. Hugo Duro played against Real Sociedad, while Danjuma started versus Osasuna; Corberán will decide which of the two is best suited to lead the line this Friday.
Ramazani watch
Ramazani’s arrival is still awaiting full clearance. He passed his medical in Valencia on Thursday, but the paperwork and bureaucratic steps could delay his debut. Corberán didn’t rule out calling him up if the issues are resolved in time for this match, signaling the aim to add attacking options as soon as possible.
Bottom line
Valencia face a crucial test at Mestalla as they seek to translate early-season promise into results. A win would not only lift spirits ahead of the international break but also send a strong signal that the team is on the right track under Corberán. If they can muster the intensity and execute the tactical plan, they’ll have every chance to break their winless start and set a more confident tone for the weeks ahead.
Notes for publication
– Emphasize the derby-like atmosphere at Mestalla and the significance of securing a first win for morale.
– Highlight the Getafe injury/registration situation as a potential factor in the match’s dynamics.
– Mention possible Ramazani inclusion if paperwork clears, adding an extra dimension to Valencia’s attacking options.
– Keep quotes out of the article unless confirmed; we can feature post-match reactions in follow-up coverage.