Los Che, meanwhile, have also put up a formidable lineup although they are the underdogs by some distance at their own stadium.<\/p>\n
Given the multiple upsets this week in La Liga including Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid losing, however, they will believe they can pull off an upset.<\/p>\n
Valencia coach\u2019s pre-game thoughts<\/p>\n
Valencia manager Carlos Corberan faced the media ahead of kickoff and spoke on the game that awaits his side and what he expects from Barcelona on the night.<\/p>\n
He was first asked how he planned to stop the Catalans who are the only side yet to drop a point in the league.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are well aware of Barcelona\u2019s level. It\u2019s a team with great potential and many attacking weapons, but our focus is 100% on our team, on what we need to deliver on the pitch, and on how we compete in the match.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/sevilla-fc-v-valencia-cf-la-liga-ea-sports-1024x650.jpg\")
Valencia have not enjoyed a great start to the season. (Photo by Fran Santiago\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Coming off a rough patch themselves, Valencia enter the game crippled and low on confidence. Corberan then spoke on how he motivated his side ahead of a difficult clash.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe focus on the things that depend on us: our behavior on the field, our mindset, our desire, our passion, and our intensity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are the things we can control, and that\u2019s why we put all our focus on them,\u201d\u00a0he added.<\/p>\n
The Valencia manager was then quizzed on Barcelona\u2019s midfield and the quality it has with Pedri, Rodri and Fermin Lopez all starting.<\/p>\n
\u201cBarcelona has players capable of making a difference in all areas of the pitch,\u201d\u00a0he began, acknowledging the quality all over the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have speed on the wings, the ability to dominate individual duels, and players who threaten spaces like Raphinha, in addition to midfielders who give them control and the ability to play vertically,\u201d\u00a0he added.<\/p>\n
![\"Raphinha](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/spain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/fc-barcelona-v-al-ahly-sc-joan-gamper-trophy-3-3-1024x683.jpg\")
Corberan is aware of Raphinha\u2019s threat. (Photo by Alex Caparros\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Finally, he spoke out on what his men must do to get at least a point out of the game at Mestalla, saying,<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must deliver a near-perfect match, with high focus, and play as a single unit, staying close together and constantly helping each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must also capitalize on the opportunities that come our way, and show character to force Barcelona to defend and not allow them to attack all the time,\u201d\u00a0he concluded.<\/p>\n