Levante - Valencia: Derby of Urgency in Orriols as Corberán Faces Pressure
Valencia’s fragile run and Levante’s home revival set the stage for a tense city derby at the Ciutat de València on Sunday, February 15, 2026 (ET). With both sides scrapping for breathing room in the table, the result will carry immediate consequences for form, confidence and the futures of those on the touchline.
Teams, absences and the selections
Both squads arrive with notable personnel headaches. Valencia travel with a threadbare list of options on the right side and in attack: long‑term absences include the injured Foulquier and a string of recent knocks that have ruled out Danjuma and Thierry. The management has also seen the squad stretched by the recent unavailability of Correia and Rubén Iranzo, forcing experiments in personnel and youth call‑ups.
Levante, for their part, have experienced a modest upturn under their current coach after a difficult start to the season. The granotas have rotated to find balance and are mounting a more disciplined defensive foundation while trying to maximise transitions.
These were the selections named for the derby by the two managers: Levante picked Campos, Primo, Elgezabal, Pampín, Olasagasti, Morales, Vencedor, Espí, Rey, Etta Eyong, Cortés and Tay in one of their options; another XI listed Dimitrievski; Rioja, Núñez, Tárrega, Cömert, Gayà; Pepelu, Ugrinic, Ramazani; Beltrán and Hugo Duro. For Levante’s home team the choices included Ryan; Nacho Pérez, Dela, Moreno, Manu Sánchez; Martínez, Arriaga; Tundé, Carlos Álvarez, Losada; and Romero. These selections underline the necessity both managers face in shuffling personnel to cover injuries and suspensions.
Stakes, style and the city atmosphere
This derby is as much about local pride as it is about survival. Valencia sit perilously close to the relegation zone with 23 points, while Levante trail with 18, making every point valuable. For the visitors, a positive result would provide vital oxygen and could ease the mounting pressure on the coach, whose authority in the club has been questioned in recent weeks. For Levante, a win would be a seismic confidence boost and a potential springboard to consolidate safety plans.
Orriols promises a charged atmosphere. Demand for tickets exploded and stands are expected to be full, giving Levante an emotional edge that the home crowd hopes will lift the team. The match will likely be played with high intensity, heavy pressing from the hosts and quick counter opportunities for both sides.
Key matchups and what to watch
Central to Valencia’s outlook is how they replace injured wide and attacking options. The right flank is an obvious vulnerability; will the coach trust makeshift defenders or deploy a youngster in an unfamiliar role? Levante will look to exploit that uncertainty with aggressive wing play and diagonal passes into the box.
Another pivotal area is midfield control. If Levante can impose a compact, disciplined midfield — limiting space for Valencia’s creative players — they will have the best chance of snuffing out quick combinations and set‑piece threats. Conversely, Valencia must find a way to release their forwards in behind the defensive line and convert any half‑chances, because opportunities will be at a premium in a derby contested on emotion as much as on tactics.
Individual duels to follow include battles on the flanks where home supporters will try to unsettle former players, and the contest between experienced holders and younger midfield prospects trying to stamp authority on the game. Given the context, game management in the final 20 minutes could ultimately determine who leaves Orriols with the three points.
Kick‑off is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 (ET). Expect intensity, noise and consequences that will ripple through both club rooms long after the final whistle.
