Valencia Derby Hits Rock Bottom: 17th vs 19th in Historic Relegation Scrap
The Valencia city derby between Levante and Valencia CF reaches unprecedented depths as both clubs face their worst-ever positioning in top-flight history.
Valencia and Levante meet in what might be the most desperate city derby in their history, with both sides fighting for survival near the foot of La Liga.
Derby in the Doldrums
The Valencia derby has never been played with both teams in such dire straits since they first met in the top flight back in the mid-1960s. Today’s clash at the Ciutat de València stadium presents a grim tableau:
- Valencia sitting 17th - just above the relegation zone
- Levante languishing in 19th - deep in the drop zone
- Same positions as their earlier meeting at Mestalla this season
You’d have to go back a whopping 63 years to find anything remotely similar. Back then, Valencia were dead last (16th in a 16-team league) while Levante were 13th.
Historical Context
This is the 18th season both Valencia clubs have shared the top division, contesting 35 derbies to date. The historical pattern has been clear:
- Valencia have entered 26 derbies higher in the table
- Levante have been the higher-placed team just 7 times
- One season (2020-21) saw them start level on the opening day
The 2025-26 campaign has been absolute torture for both sides. What’s happening now is unprecedented in their shared top-flight history.
Derby Extremes Through History
Biggest Position Gap: 2007-08 season when 7th-placed Valencia hosted 20th-placed Levante at Mestalla (ended 0-0)
Highest-Flying Derby: 2011-12 season when 3rd-placed Levante hosted 4th-placed Valencia at the Ciutat de València
Home Advantage: Levante have only once entered a Mestalla derby higher in the table than Valencia (1963-64). They’ve managed it four times when hosting at their ground.
Relegation Form: Levante have played this fixture while in the relegation zone 11 times previously, while Valencia have only done so once before (1963-64).
This season represents Valencia’s joint-worst position entering the derby in their history. For both clubs, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they battle to avoid what would be a catastrophic relegation.