Ricardo Arias: “Playing the first match at Mestalla is a big boost - we have to take advantage of it”
The Valencia CF legend and Club ambassador reacts to the LALIGA EA SPORTS 2025/26 fixture list on L’Informatiu on VCF Media Radio.
Ahead of Valencia CF's game against FC Barcelona, former player for both clubs, Robert Fernández, previewed the contest.
Duel of opposing teams
Barça won the Copa del Rey last year and came close to winning LaLiga. When a team succeeds, that means they have very good players. This summer they have made a series of changes that have weakened the team, but they are still a team with a lot of quality and a very clear idea of the game. Valencia CF are made in a different way. They are very strong defensively and work hard. Two opposing teams with a totally different vision of football face each other, and we will see a great show. When these two teams face each other, anyone is capable of winning.
How to win at the Camp Nou
Winning at the Camp Nou is not easy. You have to have a good day and be lucky as well. It will be a very close match. Valencia CF have to face it with the idea of going at them. If they wait in their own half, it will facilitate Barça's attacking actions. You have to go at them, assuming the risk that this implies. Cillessen knows how to play outside his area and knows how to play against FC Barcelona. There are a number of situations that Valencia CF must be able to take advantage of -especially since Barça have not started as well as expected.
VCF DNA
Bordalás has come here with great energy. In recent matches the team have always given the feeling of being able to compete until the end, even though they have not been able to win. Even in Seville, they gave off the feeling of competing in the second half. That is part of the coach's job. The team have to grow from an idea.
Midfield analysis
The coach has had a very good idea for Hugo Guillamón since he arrived. It was a very good idea to put him in the midfield. He knows how to play very well in that position. He is having a lot more work. The coach has injected him with that aggressiveness and his performances have been very good. Wass is going to give Valencia CF much more where he plays now than as a winger. He is a player who has a spectacular work ethic, quality, runs and goals. Soler can play in both positions. He is a player that I love, and he can play anywhere. Then you have Racic, who has not appeared in recent games, but can contribute many things. There are young players who will be great for many years.
Memories of games against FC Barcelona
I played many games between FC Barcelona and Valencia CF, and I couldn't tell you which was harder. For Valencia CF, I remember when we met in the Copa del Rey and beat them on penalties. I also remember the first game I played, which we won 4-0 at Mestalla. The matches at Mestalla have always been very special.
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