Leaders look to tighten grip on top spot against reinvigorated Valencia
Real Madrid will be bidding to make it five LaLiga Santander wins on the bounce when they lock horns with a resurgent Valencia side, who eased to victory over Athletic last time out.
Team News:
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Valencia CF: Rodrigo Moreno and Santi Mina (both injured).
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Real Madrid: Danilo (injured).
Match Facts:
Valencia (15th, 23 pts)
- Voro's charges are in buoyant mood ahead of this rearranged Matchday 16 encounter, which was rescheduled on account of Madrid's involvement at the Club World Cup.
Los Che come into this one fresh from having swatted Athletic Club aside on Sunday in a 2-0 triumph, which came courtesy of goals from Nani and Simone Zaza.
- The hosts will be keen to keep up their fine recent record against
Los Blancos on their own patch. Last season, Valencia held Madrid to a 2-2 stalemate, whilst in the 2014/15 campaign the home side took the spoils in a 2-1 success.
Real Madrid (1st, 52 pts)
- The Madrilenians are top of the pile in LaLiga Santander with two games in hand on their nearest pursuers, FC Barcelona and the chasing pack. This clash represents a golden opportunity for
Los Merengues to further extend their lead at the summit.
- Speaking in the build-up, Zinedine Zidane, who made his playing debut for Madrid at Mestalla, stressed what a difficult proposition awaits his charges: "Valencia have improved and we'll be in for a tough game. They had been playing well and just weren't getting the results, but they've now taken that forward step."
Getting to Mestalla
Address: Avenida de Suecia, 46010 Valencia
Bus: Line 10 to Avenida Aragon opposite the stadium
Train: Estacio del Nord (North Station)
Stadium location
here.
Time: 18:45 CET
Stadium: Mestalla
Referee: De Burgos Bengoetxea, Ricardo
