Real Madrid Faces Valencia in Crucial La Liga Clash Without Key Stars
Real Madrid travels to Mestalla Stadium on Sunday, February 8, to face Valencia in a pivotal La Liga match. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. ET (12 p.m. PT) and will be broadcast on ESPN Select in the US.
Yet, Los Blancos will be without two of their most influential players: Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Vinicius is sidelined due to yellow card accumulation, having picked up his fifth caution in La Liga during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano. Bellingham is out with a hamstring injury sustained in the same match, and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
How to Watch Valencia vs. Real Madrid
For US viewers, ESPN Select offers live English and Spanish-language coverage of the match. ESPN’s streaming platforms provide two tiers: ESPN Select ($12/month) and ESPN Unlimited ($30/month), offering varying levels of access to ESPN content.
UK Viewers: Premier Sports Holds the Rights
In the United Kingdom, Premier Sports is the exclusive broadcaster for La Liga matches. The game will be shown on Premier Sports 1 and available via the Premier Sports Player. Subscriptions start at £8 per month for the La Liga channel, with full Premier Sports access available for £10/month (Sky/Virgin TV) or £15/month via Prime Video.
Canadian Fans: TSN Plus is Your Destination
Canadian soccer fans can catch the action on TSN Plus, a streaming service costing CA$8 per month, which also provides coverage of other sports like PGA Tour Live and NFL games.
Australian Viewers: BeIN Sports Coverage
Fans in Australia can watch the match on BeIN Sports 2 and BeIN Sports Connect. A BeIN Sports subscription costs AU$16 per month or AU$160 annually.
The Impact of Key Absences
The absence of both Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham represents a significant blow to Real Madrid’s attacking and midfield strength. Vinicius’ suspension comes despite a strong performance against Rayo Vallecano, where he scored a crucial goal. Bellingham’s hamstring injury is particularly concerning, as he has grow a vital component of the team’s midfield.
Real Madrid has won six consecutive league games, but their last setback was a 2-0 defeat against Celta Vigo in December. Valencia, currently in 16th place, is just one point above the relegation zone and recently suffered a Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao.
A History of Tension at Mestalla
Matches between Real Madrid and Valencia at Mestalla Stadium have often been fraught with tension. Vinicius Junior, in particular, has been subjected to racist abuse from Valencia supporters in the past, leading to investigations and anti-racism campaigns. He has consistently faced jeers upon returning to the stadium.
FAQ
- Where can I watch Valencia vs. Real Madrid in the US? ESPN Select.
- Is Jude Bellingham playing today? No, he is out with a hamstring injury.
- Why is Vinicius Junior not playing? He is suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
- What is Valencia’s current league position? They are currently in 16th place in La Liga.
Pro Tip: Check your local TV listings or streaming service guides for the most up-to-date information on channel availability and broadcast times.
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