Valencia Derby Head-to-Head: Levante vs Valencia
Introduction to the derby
The Valencia Derby pits city rivals Levante UD and Valencia CF against each other in one of Spain’s most distinctive local rivalries. Although Valencia CF have historically enjoyed greater domestic and European success, Levante’s rise through the divisions has given the derby renewed edge, particularly in the 21st century. Matches are shaped as much by geography and identity as by league position, with Mestalla and the Ciutat de València offering sharply contrasting atmospheres that influence
how these games unfold.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
Across all major competitions, the overall record of the Valencia Derby shows a clear historical advantage for Valencia CF, though Levante have produced important counterpunches in specific eras, especially during sustained La Liga spells.
The totals underline Valencia CF’s long-term dominance, particularly in league meetings, driven by extended top-flight stability in the late 20th century and early 2000s. Levante’s wins are clustered in shorter La Liga runs, where home advantage and momentum narrowed the gap, while high-scoring Valencia victories inflated the overall goal difference during periods of disparity.
Recent Head-to-Head Matches (Last 10 Encounters)
The most recent decade of Valencia Derby meetings reflects tighter margins, frequent draws, and a noticeable venue effect, with both sides often more conservative away from home.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Feb 2026 | La Liga | Ciutat de València | Levante 0–2 Valencia |
| 21 Nov 2025 | La Liga | Mestalla | Valencia 1–0 Levante |
| 01 Aug 2024 | Club Friendly | Mestalla | Valencia 0–0 Levante |
| 01 May 2022 | La Liga | Mestalla | Valencia 1–1 Levante |
| 21 Dec 2021 | La Liga | Ciutat de València | Levante 3–4 Valencia |
| 12 Mar 2021 | La Liga | Ciutat de València | Levante 1–0 Valencia |
| 13 Sep 2020 | La Liga | Mestalla | Valencia 4–2 Levante |
| 12 Jun 2020 | La Liga | Mestalla | Valencia 1–1 Levante |
| 07 Dec 2019 | La Liga | Ciutat de València | Levante 2–4 Valencia |
| 14 Apr 2019 | La Liga | Mestalla | Valencia 3–1 Levante |
| 02 Sep 2018 | La Liga | Ciutat de València | Levante 2–2 Valencia |
These results show Valencia’s narrow edge, but also a pattern of close contests, with several draws and one-goal margins. The Ciutat de València has been the site of higher volatility, while Mestalla fixtures often hinge on late goals and disciplined
defensive phases, rather than open shootouts.
Key Players & Rivalries by Era
Classic era (1960s–1990s)
In the formative years of the derby, Valencia CF figures such as Mario Kempes, Ricardo Arias, Fernando Gómez, and Miguel Tendillo set the technical and leadership standards. Levante relied on resilient local stalwarts like Juanma Mora and supporting cast members who emphasised organisation and counter-attacking. The contrast between Valencia’s elite attackers and Levante’s deep defensive blocks
defined this era.
Modern era (2000s–2010s)
As Levante established themselves more regularly in La Liga, players like José
Luis Morales, Vicente Iborra, and Arouna Koné became central derby figures, offering pace, physicality, and leadership. Valencia responded with David Villa, David Silva, Pablo Aimar, and later Roberto Soldado, whose movement between the lines often dictated matches. Tactical duels intensified, especially in midfield and wide areas.
Recent era (2020s)
Recent derbies have featured Valencia’s
Hugo
Duro, José
Gayà, Javi
Guerra, and André
Almeida against Levante’s
Morales (returning later in his career), Gonzalo Melero, Enis Bardhi, and
defensive organisers like Rúben Vezo. Matches in this period are shaped by
pressing intensity, transitional play, and the influence of full-backs in
attacking phases.
| Era | Club | Player | Role in derby context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Valencia | Mario Kempes | Primary attacking reference | Symbol of Valencia’s attacking superiority |
| Classic | Valencia | Fernando Gómez | Midfield control | Dictated tempo in local clashes |
| Modern | Levante | José Luis Morales | Counter-attacking threat | Key outlet against stronger opponents |
| Modern | Valencia | David Villa | Clinical striker | Movement troubled compact defences |
| Modern | Valencia | David Silva | Creative playmaker | Exploited spaces between lines |
| Recent | Valencia | José Gayà | Wide leadership | Provided balance and delivery from left-back |
| Recent | Levante | Enis Bardhi | Set-piece specialist | Threatened Valencia from dead balls |
| Recent | Valencia | Hugo Duro | Pressing forward | Led the line in tight modern derbies |
The players listed highlight how the derby evolved from individual star power to collective tactical battles, with leadership and adaptability becoming increasingly decisive.
H2H Detailed Analysis
Head-to-head patterns show Valencia CF benefiting from sustained spells of top-flight continuity, allowing them to impose structured build-up play and territorial dominance. Levante’s successes tend to coincide with compact defensive systems, rapid transitions, and emotionally charged home performances. The derby rarely follows league form alone; instead, it swings on tactical discipline, midfield duels, and the ability to manage momentum within hostile environments.
Key Stats & Performance Insights
Statistical trends from the Valencia Derby reinforce its reputation as a finely balanced local contest despite the uneven historical record.
- Valencia hold over 50% of total derby wins, reflecting long-term
league stability. - Draws account for roughly one-third of meetings, highlighting
tactical caution. - Average goals per game sit above 2.5, driven by occasional
high-scoring encounters. - Home advantage is significant, particularly for Levante at the
Ciutat de València. - Late goals are common, often influenced by crowd pressure and
fatigue.
Memorable Matches & Iconic Moments
The Valencia Derby has produced a series of standout matches that encapsulate the
rivalry’s emotional and sporting intensity.
- 21 Dec 2021 – A seven-goal La Liga thriller at the Ciutat de
València. - 12 Mar 2021 – Levante securing a narrow home victory through
disciplined defending. - 13 Sep 2020 – A high-tempo Mestalla encounter showcasing
attacking depth. - 07 Dec 2019 – Valencia’s away efficiency overcoming Levante
resistance. - 10 Jun 2007 – Levante recording their biggest home win in the
derby. - 12 May 2008 – Valencia delivering the derby’s heaviest away
scoreline.
Evolution of the Rivalry
From a largely one-sided city rivalry to a competitive La Liga fixture, the Valencia Derby has evolved alongside Levante’s growth as a top-flight club. While Valencia
CF’s historical stature still frames expectations, modern meetings are shaped by tactical nuance, player development, and shifting club identities. The derby now stands as a genuine test of local supremacy, rather than a foregone conclusion.
FAQ
Who has won the most Valencia
Derbies?
Valencia
CF hold the most wins in official competitive
meetings.
Is the Valencia
Derby usually high scoring?
It averages over two goals per match, with occasional goal-heavy
encounters.
Which stadium gives the bigger
advantage?
Mestalla historically favours Valencia,
while Levante
are more competitive at the Ciutat de València.
Have Levante
beaten Valencia
in La Liga?
Yes, Levante
have recorded several league wins, particularly in the 2010s.
Are derby matches often
drawn?
Yes, draws are common, reflecting cautious tactical
approaches.
Does league position matter in the
derby?
Less than expected; form and emotion often outweigh
standings.
