Real Madrid face tough match against Valencia
April 7th, 2012 - 6:57 pm ICT by IANSMadrid, April 7 (IANS) Real Madrid face what on paper at least looks like one of their toughest tests between now and the end of the season when they entertain Valencia in the Spanish Primera Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Sunday night.
Valencia are currently third in the Primera Liga table, although it should be pointed out that they are also 30 points behind the league leaders Madrid.
Unai Emery’s side will have recovered some confidence Thursday night after a 4-0 win at home over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League. The win took Valencia into the semi-finals of the competition and will now face fellow Spaniards, Atletico Madrid for a place in the final, Xinhua reported.
Valencia with this win will get some confidence back after taking just one point from their last three games in the league.
Madrid should have no tiredness issues as Jose Mourinho’s side cruised into the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 5-2 victory over APOEL FC at the Bernabeu.
Mourinho will welcome midfielder Sami Khedira back into the starting 11 after an injury problem, although Lassana Diarra is still out and Sergio Ramos is suspended.
Ramos will be replaced by youngster Rafael Varene, while Angel De Maria is in line for a return to the starting 11 after his hamstring problems.
Meanwhile Karim Benzema will also return to the attack after being rested in midweek and will partner Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues his quest to end the season as Spain’s top scorer.
- Real Madrid and Barca set for eighth 'Clasico' in 9 months - Jan 17, 2012
- Valencia torn between domestic and European aims - Mar 28, 2012
- Three Spanish sides in Europa League action - Mar 28, 2012
- Real Madrid to play Apoel in Champions League - Apr 04, 2012
- Real Madrid face tough Osasuna test away - Mar 30, 2012
- Real to face Malaga in Primera Liga - Mar 17, 2012
- Real Madrid routs Granada to lead La Liga - Jan 08, 2012
- Three Spanish clubs eye Europa League semis - Apr 04, 2012
- Late show gives Real Madrid home win over City - Sep 19, 2012
- Barcelona take on Real Madrid in crucial 'El Classico' - Apr 20, 2012
- Real Madrid to face Sevilla in Spain's Primera Liga - Dec 15, 2011
- Real defend lead, Barca try to catch up in La Liga - Feb 02, 2012
- Real Madrid defeat Barcelona in Camp Nou - Apr 22, 2012
- Real Madrid need Supercup win to boost morale - Aug 28, 2012
- Mourinho: Liga is priority - Mar 15, 2012
Tags: alkmaar, atletico madrid, cristiano ronaldo, diarra, emery, jose mourinho, karim benzema, league leaders, midweek, real madrid, santiago bernabeu stadium, semi finals, sergio ramos, spanish primera liga, three games, tiredness, top scorer, unai, xinhua, youngster