“Simeone will make wholesale changes to his Atletico side on Saturday, and we are backing Valencia to secure all three points at Mestalla to continue their push up the division,” said an unnamed source regarding the upcoming clash. This La Liga match, set for May 2, 2026, could prove pivotal for both teams but particularly for Atlético Madrid, who are juggling their aspirations in the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid currently sits fourth in the La Liga table with 60 points, while Valencia lags behind in twelfth place with only 39 points. The stakes are high for both sides. For Atlético, every point counts as they fend off Real Betis, who are just ten points behind. Meanwhile, Valencia is five points clear of the relegation zone, making this match crucial for their season.
That context matters because Atletico Madrid has struggled recently. They have lost three of their last four La Liga matches and only managed to win four of their sixteen away games this season. Their recent draw with Arsenal (1-1) indicates a possible distraction from domestic commitments as they focus on European competition.
Valencia comes into this match with some momentum after winning their last game against Girona 2-1. They have also remained unbeaten in their last two matches, showing signs of improvement under manager Carlos Corberán. However, they will be without key players like Mouctar Diakhaby and Dimitri Foulquier due to injuries.
Diego Simeone’s tactical decisions could play a significant role in this fixture. Historically, he has faced Valencia on thirty-two occasions, recording twenty wins, nine draws, and three defeats. Yet, he might need to adapt his strategy given his team’s current form and injury list.
In terms of head-to-head encounters, Valencia has had the upper hand historically—winning sixty-six out of two hundred previous meetings against Atletico Madrid. This adds an intriguing layer to Saturday’s match at Mestalla.
The outcome of this match could have lasting implications for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With Atlético’s eyes on European glory and Valencia fighting to solidify their position in La Liga, fans can expect a tense and thrilling matchup.