Real Madrid Benefits Barcelona's Slip

Real Madrid are in a good situation after Barcelona slumped (Instagram/@realmadrid).

JAKARTA - Real Madrid will play their first match in 2025 by visiting the Mestalla Stadium to meet Valencia, Saturday, January 4, 2025, early morning WIB.

Los Blancos will enter Mestalla with a difference of one point behind Atletico Madrid and two points above Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti's team benefited from the slip of Barcelona, who led the standings earlier this season before losing points in six of their last seven league games.

"No one expected, the results (Barcelona) got in the last game."

"However, in the level of competition in the league, it means you will need fewer points to win the league."

"With Atletico, us and Barcelona, that means more uncertainty. The points you need (to win the league) will be below 90," Ancelotti said in an interview ahead of Valencia, Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Barcelona is also hit by other problems, especially the possibility of Dani Olmo and Pau Victor most likely going on the January 2025 exchange.

Both of them were constrained by registration problems caused by league financial rules.

However, Ancelotti did not want to comment on Barcelona's issue of registering star player Dani Olmo for the second half of La Liga season.

According to him, the competition for La Liga 2024/2025 is only a matter from match to match.

"I don't know the details. All I can say is respect for all clubs, institutions and regulations. However, I can't answer," said Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are targeting to continue their positive trend after five matches without defeat (four wins and one draw) in all competitions when they meet Valencia.

Valencia, who have never won (two and two draws) in the last four matches in La Liga, is in a very difficult situation.

Despite appearing at home, Los Che is still in transition after expelling coach Ruben Baraja on December 22, 2025.

Valencia will be handled by new coach Carlos Corberan who was immediately tested by Real Madrid's arrival on his debut.