Aguirre warns Real Madrid of a hostile Mestalla as Valencia target ‘perfect’ performance

Valencia manager Javier Aguirre says his side will need to produce a “perfect match” to beat Real Madrid when the teams meet in La Liga on 07 November 2026.

Aguirre expects the atmosphere at Mestalla to unsettle the visitors, but insisted Valencia will not approach the fixture believing they have no chance of victory.

“We are facing one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have had a perfect run in the Champions League,” Aguirre said at his pre-match news conference.

“We will try to win because many things can happen in every new match. Under no circumstances will we go into the game thinking that we cannot win or that the advantage belongs to the opponent.”

The Valencia manager also reflected on his previous meeting with Real Madrid as Real Zaragoza boss during the 2010-2011 season, when his side won 3-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“I remember that match, but in the first round of the following season they beat us 5-0. I had made them angry,” he said.

“It is a beautiful memory. I have enormous respect for Real Madrid, and Mourinho is a top-class coach. There is a nice saying that the fifth is not bad, and we hope that proves true tomorrow.”

Aguirre said he had known Mourinho for many years and described him as a close friend and a good manager.

“I have nothing but affection for him. He deserves all my respect, and everything he says, I will take in a positive way,” he added.

‘Mestalla must be frightening’

Aguirre believes the home supporters can play an important role in Valencia’s efforts to contain Real Madrid.

“I imagine Mestalla being frightening, just as I felt when I visited it as an opponent and thought it would be a long night,” he said.

“I hope the fans put great pressure on them and support their team strongly. We have to repay that support. They must not see a team without spirit, but one that wants to play and has energy and vitality.”

He also acknowledged the individual threat posed by France forward Kylian Mbappe, while stressing that Valencia’s plans must account for Real Madrid’s entire team.

“Mbappe is not a player I need to discover now. He has abilities in one-on-one situations that are impossible to stop, but there are 11 of us and we will try to neutralise the danger of the whole of Real Madrid,” said Aguirre.

“We will try not to let him, or any other player, feel comfortable. We must not allow him to show his speed, his exceptional performance or his ability to finish attacks. I am not saying anything that anyone in this room does not already know.”

Aguirre declined to comment on Real Madrid’s complaints about refereeing decisions.

“I will not answer that question because you will put me in a lot of trouble,” he said.

Asked what Valencia needed to do to defeat Real Madrid, he replied: “By producing a perfect match, and that requires many things.”

When asked which Real Madrid player he would leave out if he had the authority, Aguirre joked: “I would leave out all 11 players, but I do not have that authority.”