Football Season Guide

2024/25 was a season of two halves for Valencia, who were dead and buried when Ruben Baraja was fired over the winter break, but then resurged under Carlos Cobreran to mount a late challenge for Europe. A mid-table finish was a strong showing for a side who looked doomed to relegation at Christmas. Valencia have lost several key figures this summer, with Giorgio Mamardashvili leaving for Liverpool and Enzo Barrenechea returning to Aston Villa after bossing the midfield. Christian Mosquera also departed for Arsenal. Those are three high-quality options who have not been replaced with the same level of quality. Corberan struggled to settle on a man to lead his attack, and Dani Raba from Leganes seems unlikely to operate in the number nine role, meaning that there will be significant pressure on Hugo Duro, who scored 11 goals last season, to produce the goods once again. More additions could follow, but Valencia's transfer business has not excelled in the attacking department in recent years. Valencia will need to make the most of Mestalla again this season, as home games accounted for 67% of their points last season, and possess the same fighting spirit that saw them score five result-defining goals after the 85th minute last season.