Twenty-five days after the tragedy that struck their region, Valencia CF resumes competition this Saturday with an urgent need for victory. Meanwhile, Real Betis continues to push for European qualification. However, the match’s true protagonists will be the victims affected by the DANA floods. 

Neither the pressing need for points of a Valencia team sitting at the bottom of the table nor the solid form of Betis, which remains unbeaten but struggles to string wins together, will outweigh the emotional tribute planned by Valencia ahead of the game. For this reason, the club has asked fans to arrive at Mestalla at 1:30 PM, half an hour before kickoff.

That said, Valencia’s challenges are mounting. Beyond the tribute, which Betis will also participate in, Rubén Baraja’s team faces the imperative of securing a win to avoid further sinking in the standings.

The team will rely on captain José Luis Gayà, who is finally back at 100% and ready to anchor the left flank while wearing the captain’s armband. Hugo Duro also returns after recovering from an injury sustained against Getafe. However, Pepelu remains suspended following his red card against Las Palmas. Injured players Thierry Rendall, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Rafa Mir are also unavailable. On a positive note, youth team striker Warren Madrigal has been called up, as confirmed by Baraja.

Baraja may opt for a five-defender formation to stabilize his team and secure points at any cost. Valencia is currently three points away from 17th place, but questions linger over their fitness, rhythm, and emotional state after nearly a month without playing.

Meanwhile, Real Betis, led by Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini, arrives at Mestalla with eight points from their last four games, consolidating their European aspirations. However, the international break left its mark, with the notable absence of American midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Cardoso’s absence, combined with injuries to Marc Roca, Isco Alarcón, William Carvalho, and Pablo Fornals, leaves Betis with a depleted midfield. Pellegrini will be forced to adjust his usual setup of two central midfielders and three attackers.

Having successfully tested tactical variations earlier this season, Pellegrini might employ a four-midfielder line at Mestalla, with Sergi Altimira as the anchor and Brazilian striker Vitor Roque leading the press.

Despite the absences, Pellegrini emphasizes the importance of focusing on available players. Among them is Argentine Giovani Lo Celso, who has recovered from a muscle injury and is expected to play a crucial role in Betis’ attack. Rising star Iker Losada is also likely to feature, with Ez Abde and Aitor Ruibal offering width on the wings, alongside Assane Diao and Chimy Ávila as additional options. 

Probable Lineups:

• Valencia: Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tárrega, Mosquera, Yarek, Gayà; Diego López, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja; Hugo Duro.
• Betis: Rui Silva; Sabaly, Natan, Bartra, Perraud; Altimira; Aitor Ruibal, Lo Celso, Losada, Abde; Vitor Roque.

Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque Committee)
Stadium: Mestalla
Kickoff Time: 2:00 PM (local time)
Standings: Valencia (20th, 7 points), Valladolid (7th, 20 points).

Stat of the Match: Pellegrini has defeated Valencia in 15 of the 28 official games he has coached against them.

Key Factor: Valencia’s response after their long hiatus and the emotional weight of the tribute to the DANA victims.