What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Real Madrid vs Valencia
When: Sunday 4th May, 2014, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Living the Dream
It took Real Madrid 12 years in the making, but Spain’s most decorated side are finally in the final of the Champions League, which they will dispute against neighbours Atletico Madrid in what will be a fierce Derbi Madrileno. Realising however that they still can mathematically win La Liga, Los Blancos will have to quickly get back to reality in order to keep fighting for their treble dreams, as they prepare to welcome Valencia on Sunday night to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Not even Real Madrid’s most optimistic fans would have guessed that Los Merengues would end up beating Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Allianz Arena, in what was a perfect display of counter-attacking, swift football. The capital outfit will nonetheless be happy to be back to their own turf, as they have been victorious in 26 out of the last 28 games they played at home in the league, with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona being the only two sides that managed to tarnish their impeccable home record.
Having been undefeated in their last eleven meetings against Valencia, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be confident ahead of this game, as they will be hopeful that their league hopes do not end against Los Che. Knowing that this month will be decisive, they cannot drop their guard now.
Gutted
In a crazy minute, Sevilla ended Valencia’s hopes of reaching the final of the 2014 Europa League. Having taken a 2-0 advantage into the second leg, the Andalucians were through until the 94th minute, winning 3-0, before a strike from Stephane Mbia meant that the Rojiblancos will now face Benfica in the final. A hard blow as it is, Valencia will have to quickly regroup as they travel to the Spanish capital in order to face Real Madrid, who will be ready to pounce on the 2004 domestic champions from the start.
Los Che are still in a state of shock and disbelief, but they will need to quickly forget the nightmare and focus on their match with Real Madrid, according to Ricardo Costa.
“For the game against [Real] Madrid we need to change our mindset and think about the shirt we are wearing and know that it will be a tough match because Madrid are playing for the league title and we have to take control of the transition play”, declared an emotional Costa.
And that is exactly what Valencia have to be afraid of, as Real Madrid have scored at least four times in their last four games in La Liga, and that is not counting their recent 4-0 drubbing of Bayern Munich. Any mistakes might be costly for Los Che should they want to have any hopes of surprising the title aspirants.
Recent form
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid 1-0 Bayern Munich (23/04; Champions League)
Real Madrid 4-0 Osasuna (26/04; La Liga)
Bayern Munich 0-4 Real Madrid (29/04; Champions League)
Valencia:
Sevilla 2-0 Valencia (24/04; Europa League)
Valencia 0-1 Atletico Madrid (27/04; La Liga)
Valencia 3-1 Sevilla (01/05; Europa League)
Key absences
Real Madrid: Jese; Sami Khedira
Valencia: Oriol Romeu; Philippe Senderos; Victor Ruiz
Players to watch
Real Madrid – Angel di Maria: The Argentine is now an indispensable member of Ancelotti’s first eleven, after having been on the team’s fringes following the arrival of Gareth Bale. An important component of Real Madrid’s counter-attacks, Di Maria will want to keep up his fine form.
Valencia – Jeremy Mathieu: The left-back will have a hard time going up against Bale, as the Welshman’s speed has made many defenders look foolish this season. A tough duel for the former Toulouse man awaits and one he must be prepared for.
Match Prediction
Real Madrid are unstoppable at the moment, while Valencia have suffered a tough blow following their Europa League exit. At home, it will be another familiar scenario for Los Blancos with goals galore for the home team. Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia.
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