On the evening of Saturday, January 8, 2022, SuperSport viewers on DStv and GOtv can watch Real Madrid take on Valencia at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu in a historic La Liga match.
DStv and GOtv are Africa's only genuine football homes, providing a breadth and depth of coverage that no other platform can equal — it's truly 'Unbeatable Football'! If you're going to spend money on anything, it might as well be on the best football team on the planet.
Los Blancos have established themselves as the overwhelming favourites to win the Spanish championship this season, while Los Che are aiming for a top-six finish and a return to European action.
"They're a solid team with high individual and team qualities." Real manager Carlo Ancelotti said, "We'll have to put together a decent game plan to give us an advantage in our play and in the game." "I'm not going to put any additional pressure on this game because there are other games, situations, and runs during the season." That stress is beneficial to our health. We're confidence in our abilities because we've been performing well."
Meanwhile, Valencia coach Jose Bordalas wants his team to rise to the occasion and continue to improve: "We had some nice results toward the end of 2021, and now we must maintain that form into 2022." We know we'll be put to the test in our first game of the season against Real Madrid, but I'm hoping for a positive result."
Players who are important
Luka Modric — The Croatian playmaker is still an important part of Real Marid's midfield, where he assists in establishing the team's rhythm and passing patterns. Against Valencia, Modric will try to get on the ball early and dictate terms.
Goncalo Guedes — The 25-year-old winger/forward has been one of Valencia's most productive players this season, making full use of his pace and movement. With a great showing against Real Madrid, he would like to highlight the good job he has done in 2021-22.
Stats from head-to-head battles
Real and Valencia have played each other in 62 times across all competitions dating back to 1993. Los Blancos have 34 victories against Los Che's 14, with 14 games being drawn.
When the clubs played earlier this season, in September 2021, Real won 2-1 away from home, with Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema scoring late goals for the capital-city club after Hugo Duro's opener for the hosts.
Battles to look out for
Jose Bordalas vs. Carlo Ancelotti – When the teams last met, Bordalas put up Valencia to frustrate Real, and Ancelotti will need to ensure that his team is able to break out of their opponent's defensive strategy.
Maxi Gomez vs. David Alaba - The Austrian defender had a good debut season with Real Madrid and is looking forward to the aggressive and determined test that Valencia attacker Maxi Gomez will present.
Mouctar Diakhaby vs. Karim Benzema — In an all-French match, Diakhaby will have the difficult chore of containing Benzema, who has continued his excellent scoring streak and even scored the game-winning goal the last time these teams met.
Away to Villarreal, Atletico Madrid will attempt to vent their frustrations over a lack of consistency; Deportivo Alaves and Athletic Bilbao will meet in a Basque derby at Estadio de Mendizorroza; and Real Betis will face a difficult trip to an improving Rayo Vallecano.
"The club appears to be at ease in a very difficult division; many of the players are making their La Liga debuts, but we've demonstrated that we can compete with anyone." Rayo manager Andoni Iraola remarked, "We've carried that hope and enthusiasm from getting promoted with us and it's providing us the energy we need."
Details of the La Liga telecast, January 8-10, 2022
Sunday, January 8th
15:00: Levante vs. Mallorca – SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Maximo 360, SuperSport GOtv La Liga, and SuperSport GOtv Football – LIVE
Real Sociedad vs. Celta Vigo - LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga at 17:15.
19:30 Granada vs. Barcelona - LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga.
Real Madrid against Valencia - LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport Maximo 360, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga at 22:00 CET.
Sunday, January 9th
Rayo Vallecano takes on Real Betis at 15:00 CET on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2 and SuperSport GOtv La Liga.
17:15: Sevilla vs. Getafe - LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, SuperSport GOtv La Liga, and SuperSport GOtv Football on SuperSport GOtv.
19:30 – Alaves vs. Athletic Bilbao – LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga
19:30: Osasuna against Cadiz - SuperSport Variety 1 – LIVE
Monday, January 10th, 22:00: Villarreal vs. Atletico Madrid - LIVE on SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga.
22:00: Espanyol vs. Elche — SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Maximo 2, and SuperSport GOtv La Liga – LIVE
blogpay
