TEAMS · JOSÉ MERA CUEVAS

Valencia test their Liga F return with Champions League looming for PSG

Valencia go into Tuesday’s friendly after beating Levante 3–1, following a draw and a defeat in their opening two pre-season games. PSG are still without a win this summer and face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League eight days later.

WRITTEN BY José Mera Cuevas 18 August 2026 · 13:42

Between Valencia’s return to Liga F and PSG’s approaching European qualifier sits a friendly carrying more interest than the average August fixture.

The two teams meet at Pinatar Arena on Tuesday 18 August at 19:00 CEST, with free admission.

For Valencia, it will be the toughest test of their preparation so far. Mikel Crespo’s side are back in the top flight after one season in Primera Federación and a promotion settled in the final moments of the play-offs.

Leyre Monente’s equaliser in the 99th minute of the second leg against Villarreal took the deciding match into extra time. The 1–1 draw eventually sent Valencia up because they had finished above their opponents during the regular season.

The task has now changed. Valencia are no longer chasing promotion but preparing for a campaign in which every mistake will carry a heavier cost. PSG should provide an early indication of the level of demand awaiting them.

A first victory to build on

Valencia began pre-season with a goalless draw against Burnley before losing 3–1 to Birmingham City. Their first victory arrived last Wednesday, when they beat Levante 3–1 at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna.

The result matters less than the opportunity to face a team accustomed to competing for domestic honours in France and playing European football. PSG should demand greater defensive concentration, longer periods without the ball and more efficiency from the chances Valencia create.

The French side have not enjoyed a straightforward start to the summer either. Paulo César’s team drew their opening two friendlies 1–1 against Saint-Malo and Brighton before losing 1–3 to Union Berlin.

They therefore arrive in Murcia still searching for their first pre-season victory. Valencia will be their fourth friendly and final test before the first major competitive fixture of their campaign.

Champions League in eight days

PSG visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday 26 August in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League third qualifying round. The tie concludes in Paris on 2 September, with a place in the league phase at stake.

That proximity makes the Valencia match a particularly important rehearsal for the French side. Paulo César must move his team closer to competitive intensity without taking unnecessary risks only eight days before the trip to Germany.

Valencia have slightly longer to prepare for their league campaign. After facing PSG, they host Newcastle United in the Trofeu TM at Estadio Antonio Puchades on Sunday 23 August.

Their return to Liga F then begins away to fellow promoted side Deportivo Alavés on Sunday 30 August.

Before officially rejoining the top flight, Valencia have an opportunity in Murcia to measure the distance still to travel. The result will be secondary, but their response to PSG’s quality should provide a valuable indication of where the new project stands.