Valencia will host Actual Madrid in a decisive La Liga conflict, and for Los Blancos, the duty is easy: safe all three factors. With the title race in opposition to Barcelona happening to the wire, Madrid can’t afford any slip-ups. The precedence shouldn’t be efficiency or sport sample it’s purely about profitable and preserving the hole at only one level.
Softfootball gethered, the longer the hole stays at one level, the extra strain and alternative it creates for Actual Madrid to capitalise later within the season. Permitting that margin to develop may tilt momentum firmly in Barcelona’s favour, one thing Madrid should keep away from in any respect prices.
Wanting on the head-to-head file, Actual Madrid will really feel assured. Within the final 10 conferences between the 2 sides, Madrid have gained seven occasions, drawn as soon as, and misplaced twice. Valencia did win 2–1 in one of many newer encounters, however that consequence was adopted by a dominant 4–0 victory for Madrid of their newest assembly.
This time, nevertheless, Madrid journey away to the Mestalla, a venue that has traditionally posed challenges. Valencia presently sit seventeenth within the desk, locked in a relegation battle, which makes them a harmful opponent with all the things to struggle for.
Past the pitch, there are unconfirmed stories of dressing room points resurfacing following the departure of Xabi Alonso. The duty now falls on new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa to regular the environment, unite the squad and eradicate any inside distractions.
For Actual Madrid, this match is about focus, mentality and outcomes. Three factors are non-negotiable if they’re to remain firmly within the title race and hold Barcelona inside touching distance.
