Real Madrid - Valencia Betting Preview: Why a win and a clean sheet looks likely for Los Blancos

The Spanish capital is sizzling at the moment suffering something of a heat wave, yet things are about to get even hotter with the advent of a new La Liga season and the footballing Gods have smiled upon us, gracing the first week with one of the most attractive fixtures of the whole calendar.

Reigning champions Real Madrid host the team who were comfortably third last season, Valencia, and a positive result for both sides is paramount. Paddy Power price a home win at 1/4 (1.25) while Valencia can be backed at 11/1 (12.00) and the draw is offered at 5/1 (6.00).

Over the last three seasons Madrid have been dominant against their rivals from the east coast of the country, winning their last five encounters and drawing one.

The solitary stalemate came back in April when their hugely entertaining meeting at the Bernabeu somehow finished 0-0.

A repeat of that result can be backed at 20/1 (21.00) but given that only one of their last 14 meetings has finished goalless it is not a bet that appeals.

It is of course always challenging when trying to find value in backing the big two in Spain, yet the price of 6/5 (2.20) for Madrid to win to nil looks like it might be the way forward.

It has paid out in two of their last three meetings at the Bernabeu, and given that Valencia were far from prolific on the road last season, this looks like a decent option.

For a value bet, try backing at 2-0 victory for Madrid at 6/1 (7.00). This has been the result in two of the last three meetings between the sides in the capital and if Valencia provide stern opposition but Madrid ultimately prove too strong, this could well end up being the scoreline once more.

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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.