The Ciutat de València stadium prepares to host one of Spanish football's most passionate local derbies this weekend as Levante UD welcomes cross-town rivals Valencia CF for a crucial La Liga encounter. Scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, this match carries significant weight for both clubs, who find themselves battling near the bottom of the league table.
Levante enters this fixture in 19th position, firmly entrenched in the relegation zone with just 18 points accumulated from 22 matches. Their campaign record shows four victories, six draws, and twelve defeats, highlighting the struggles they've faced throughout the season. However, the Granotes head into this derby with renewed confidence following their most recent performance—a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Elche CF on January 23.
That home victory showcased the fighting spirit that manager José Luis Mendilibar has been instilling in his squad. Young midfielder Pablo Martínez opened the scoring, while defender Adrián de la Fuente added a crucial second goal. When Elche's Adam Boayar equalized in stoppage time, it appeared Levante would be denied, but 18-year-old forward Alan Maturro emerged as the hero, netting the winner six minutes into added time. This last-gasp success demonstrated Levante's resilience and could serve as a turning point in their fight for survival.
Valencia CF, meanwhile, occupies 17th place in the standings, just one position and five points ahead of their city rivals. Los Che have collected 23 points from 23 matches, with five wins, eight draws, and ten losses. While they sit outside the immediate relegation zone, their margin for error remains slim, and a defeat in this derby could drag them into the thick of the survival battle.
The significance of this encounter extends beyond mere bragging rights. With both teams struggling for form and points, the outcome could have profound implications for their respective La Liga futures. A victory for Levante would close the gap on their rivals and provide a massive psychological boost. Conversely, three points for Valencia would create valuable breathing room and potentially derail Levante's momentum.
**Match Details and Viewing Information**
Football fans can mark their calendars for this pivotal clash, which kicks off at 12:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The iconic Ciutat de València will provide the backdrop for what promises to be an emotionally charged atmosphere, with home supporters desperate to see their team climb out of the bottom three.
For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN Deportes. However, traditional cable isn't required to catch the action, as multiple streaming options are available.
The most convenient way to watch the Levante vs Valencia derby is through Fubo, the sports-centric streaming platform that carries ESPN Deportes in its channel lineup. Fubo offers subscribers access to live sports without long-term contracts, featuring a "no commitment, cancel anytime" policy that has made it popular among cord-cutters.
To access the match, fans simply need to subscribe to Fubo and navigate to ESPN Deportes at kickoff. The platform provides high-definition streaming quality and cloud DVR capabilities, allowing subscribers to record the match if they can't watch it live.
**Tactical Preview and Key Matchups**
Tactically, this derby presents a fascinating contrast. Levante, playing at home and desperate for points, will likely adopt an aggressive approach from the opening whistle. Mendilibar's side knows they cannot afford to play conservatively—not only because they need the three points, but also because their home crowd will demand an attacking mentality against their historic rivals.
The home side's recent victory highlighted their ability to score through quick transitions and set-pieces. Martínez's creativity in midfield, combined with Maturro's emergence as a clutch performer, gives Levante offensive weapons that can trouble any defense. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, having conceded 42 goals this season—the third-worst record in the league.
Valencia's approach under Rubén Baraja has typically been more measured and pragmatic. Los Che have demonstrated greater defensive organization but struggle with consistency in attack, having scored just 28 goals in 23 matches. This suggests Baraja may prioritize defensive solidity, looking to exploit Levante's vulnerabilities on the counter-attack.
The midfield battle will likely prove decisive. Levante's central players must balance attacking responsibilities with protecting their vulnerable defense. Valencia's midfielders, meanwhile, will aim to control possession and dictate a slower tempo, preventing the home side from building momentum.
**Players to Watch**
For Levante, all eyes will be on Alan Maturro following his heroics against Elche. The teenage forward has announced himself on the big stage and will carry significant confidence into the derby. His pace, direct running, and composure in front of goal make him a constant threat.
Midfielder Pablo Martínez operates as Levante's creative engine. His vision, passing range, and ability to arrive late in the box have made him one of the team's most important players this season. How he performs against Valencia's midfield will be critical to Levante's chances.
Valencia's hopes may rest on their veteran striker, who has shouldered much of the goalscoring responsibility this campaign. His experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable in the cauldron of the Ciutat de València. Additionally, their young Spanish midfielder has shown flashes of brilliance and will be eager to make his mark in such a significant fixture.
**Broader Implications**
This derby arrives at a critical juncture in the La Liga season, with both clubs fighting for survival rather than competing for European positions. The outcome will resonate far beyond Valencia, potentially influencing the relegation battle involving clubs like Almería, Granada, and Mallorca.
For Levante, relegation would represent a devastating blow to a club that has worked tirelessly to establish itself as a consistent La Liga presence. The financial implications of dropping to the Segunda División would be severe, potentially undoing years of careful squad building.
Valencia's situation reflects different pressures. As one of Spain's historically great clubs—six-time La Liga champions—finding themselves in a relegation battle represents a continuation of recent struggles. Years of financial mismanagement have brought this proud institution to its knees. Avoiding relegation is the absolute minimum requirement this season, and a positive result against Levante would provide validation for Baraja's rebuilding project.
**Final Thoughts**
As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a captivating encounter between two clubs with everything to play for. The combination of local pride, relegation pressure, and recent form suggests we could witness a dramatic affair.
Whether you're a die-hard supporter of either club, a neutral La Liga enthusiast, or simply a fan of intense football rivalries, this match deserves your attention. The Ciutat de València will be rocking, the players will be giving their all, and the outcome could shape the destiny of both teams for years to come.
Don't miss a minute of the action. Tune in to ESPN Deportes via Fubo at 12:15 p.m. ET on February 15, 2026, and witness the next chapter in this compelling Valencia derby story.