Football
Barcelona vs Valencia Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: January 26, 2025 Kickoff Time: 20:00 (UK Time) Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys SportsBoom previews the eagerly anticipated La Liga match between Barcelona and Valencia at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Sunday, 26 November 2025. As kick-off approaches, La Liga betting enthusiasts are immersed in the odds, scrutinizing both teams to secure the most lucrative betting options. For all the essential insights and betting tips, make sure to explore our detailed match preview.
Raphinha of FC Barcelona//Getty Images
Barcelona refocuses their attention to La Liga after yet another setback away at Jose Bordalas’ controversial ‘anti-football’ Getafe outfit, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw, causing the Catalans to fall further behind Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the race for Spanish supremacy. After winning their first five La Liga games on home soil, Barcelona suffered three straight defeats to Las Palmas, Leganes, and Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Valencia have gone from strength to strength under new manager, Carlos Corberan, aiming to rescue ‘Los Ches’ from the depths of relegation.
Valencia aims to spoil Barcelona’s party, with renewed confidence claiming their first league victory under new manager, Carlos Corberan, breathing new life into the Bats. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Hansi Flick, precariously playing a balancing act between cup competitions and La Liga matches as the Catalans' aspirations to wrestle away the title from both Madrid giants are slowing slipping away from their grasp, owing to a handful of underwhelming performances.
PRE-GAME ODDS AND WIN PROBABILITY: BARCELONA ARE SHORT-PRICED FAVORITES
HOME: 1/4 (1.25) – 80%
DRAW: 56/10 (6.60) – 15,2%
AWAY: 9/1 (10.00) – 10%
*Odds courtesy of Betway, subject to change
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD
Last Five Meetings (La Liga)
17/08/24: Valencia 1-2 Barcelona
29/04/24: Barcelona 4-2 Valencia
16/12/23: Valencia 1-1 Barcelona
05/03/23: Barcelona 1-0 Valencia
29/10/22: Valencia 0-1 Barcelona
BARCELONA: CURRENT FORM – DWWLL
There was a lot to feel optimistic about for ‘Culers’ heading into the 2024/25 season. Although, after enduring three straight La Liga defeats to Las Palmas (1-2), Leganes (0-1), and Atletico Madrid (1-2) in front of home crowd support, Barcelona’s title hopes have been dented, desperately requiring a consistent run of victories until the finish line in May, whilst both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid squander an almost double-digit points difference at the summit.
The permutations for Barcelona to win La Liga grow more difficult with each point dropped, as one more defeat could resign their fate to only celebrating the Supercopa de Espana (beating Real Madrid 5-2 in Saudi Arabia), as silverware come end of the season.
During the past five meetings against Valencia, Barcelona have come out trumps four times, but this occasion could prove more challenging considering their recent struggles in La Liga to put “smaller teams” to the sword, coupled with their midweek trip to Benfica for UEFA Champions League action, leaving Barca players more fatigued, while Valencia is solely focusing on this encounter for survival without European commitments.
La Masia have produced another exquisite talent in left-back, Alejandro Balde, whose undeniable quality in their attacking play was on display during Super Cup victories over Athletic Bilbao (2-0) & Real Madrid (5-2), and Real Betis (5-1) in the Copa del Rey.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Raphinha: The Brazilian has scored 11 times in La Liga, contributing six assists, and always seems to have the key to unlock Valencia’s defence. Registering an assist against the Bats on four separate occasions while scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou, two years ago.
- Robert Lewandowski: The veteran striker is Barcelona’s top goal scorer with 16 goals this campaign. Lewandowski scored a second-half hat-trick to claim maximum points in a 4-2 thriller, turning the match on its head in the final 10 minutes, during Valencia’s last visit to the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.
- Jules Kounde: The French international defender recently scored in matches against Getafe (La Liga) and Real Betis (Copa del Rey) which will boost his confidence, however, his ability to consistently overlap on the right-wing to create havoc alongside Lamine Yamal is Barcelona’s biggest threat going forward.
BARCELONA TEAM NEWS
Two weeks ago, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD) — granted Dani Olmo and Pau Victor an injunction to allow both forwards permission to continue playing for Barcelona amidst their registration issues, whilst the full legal case is considered by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and La Liga.
Olmo (calf injury) remains doubtful, alongside defender Inigo Martinez (hamstring), with long-term absentees Marc Bernal (ACL knee) and Marc-Andre ter Stegen (knee) likely ruled out of action for the remainder of the season.
VALENCIA: CURRENT FORM – WDLDD
Valencia have made an impressive start under the new management of, Carlos Corberan, claiming wins away at Ourense (2-0) and Eldense (2-0) to book their spot in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, incidentally drawing Barcelona, scheduled to be played 11 days after this clash at the Mestalla Stadium.
In La Liga, Corberan was off to a dream start on his debut against Real Madrid, taking a first-half lead thanks to Hugo Duro but was undone by poor defensive organization in the final five minutes, conceding two late goals to Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.
Los Ches then travelled to Sevilla, surrendering a 1-0 lead in stoppage time, to share the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate. However, the third time was the charm, Valencia secured maximum points in a gritty 1-0 performance, with large periods of trying to maintain their clean sheet against Real Sociedad, following Hugo Duro’s second goal in three La Liga matches.
Duro is in fine form and will be the main threat for Valencia going forward, aiming to score against Barcelona for his third straight game.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Hugo Duro: The 25-year-old midfielder has a knack for finding the net against the so-called big boys, scoring a goal in each of his last three matches against Real Madrid and his last two games against Barcelona.
- Luis Rioja: The attacker has netted four La Liga goals this season, making him the club's second-top league scorer, behind Duro since he arrived from Alaves. Together with club captain, Jose Gaya on the left flank, Rioja creates much-needed width to open spaces for Duro to exploit.
- Cesar Tarrega: The 22-year-old Spanish central defender impressed in the 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad, and is key to Valencia avoiding the goals they’ve been conceding in the final stages of matches. So far, proving to be the Achilles heel under new manager Corberan.
VALENCIA TEAM NEWS
After scoring at Ourense in the Copa del Rey, Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq (knee injury) is doubtful for this clash, alongside Rafa Mir (thigh injury), and Thierry Correia (ACL knee injury) with midfielder Diego Lopez expected to return from a knock sustained last weekend, while defender Cristhian Mosquera is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
Barcelona: 4-2-3-1
Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Valencia: 4-2-3-1
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Gasiorowski, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenechea; Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro.
SUGGESTED BETS
If you love online sports betting, here are some bets you can place at some of the top football sportsbooks.
Both Teams to Score: Barcelona’s inability to keep to clean sheets, together with the past three meetings between these sides being goal-filled encounters, this looks a solid bet. (91/100 with Betway) (91/100 with Stake) (91/100 with 1Win)
Over 2.5 Goals: With the same thoughts in mind, this bet holds strong appeal. (44/100 with Betway) (44/100 with Stake) (44/100 with 1Win)
Double Chance and Overs/Unders (Total 2.5): Barcelona & Over 2.5 is our selection, as Valencia scored in four of their past five away games, securing four draws, this looks a promising choice if the possible upset occurs. (55/100 with Betway) (55/100 with Stake) (55/100 with 1Win)
VALUE BETS
Both Halves Over 1.5: Yes, when these teams meet, fans are treated to goals galore, this could be a profitable pick. (245/100 with Betway) (245/100 with Stake)(240/100 with 1Win)
Robert Lewandowski – Anytime Goalscorer: The Polish sharp-shooter is one of the bookies’ favourites to score, seeing as he netted a hat-trick in this fixture last season. (76/100 with Betway) (76/100 with Stake) (70/100 with 1Win)
Hugo Duro – Anytime Goalscorer Valencia’s striker to score is our best value bet, finding the net regularly against Barcelona and Real Madrid. (370/100 with Betway) (370/100 with Stake) (350/100 with 1Win)
PREDICTION: BARCELONA TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
Manager Carlos Corberan has steadied the Valencia ship, however, with their inability to hold firm during the end of matches, we expect Hansi Flick’s Barcelona to sense that weakness and capitalize, running riot in an entertaining clash. Back Barca to claim maximum points and keep themselves within striking distance of the league leaders in Madrid.
Bryan is a passionate sports writer with a focus on football and cricket. While he loves top leagues like the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Premier League, he also covers lesser-known leagues, offering previews and tips for sports betting sites.
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