Not only did Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid lose their unbeaten record when they were hammered by Barcelona last Monday, they also lost their dignity as a string of unwanted records were suddenly placed beside them. The Portuguese coach is known for his mental strength in tight situations, but he has never been faced by the prospect of bouncing back after such a defeat, and a dangerous Valencia side would probably not be his choice of opposition for Saturday evening.
There was genuine optimism around the Bernabeu approaching the game in Catalunya earlier this week, but from the outset it was clear that los Merengues would find living with a Barca side at the peak of their powers an impossible task. By full-time, the discipline of the Madrid side had vanished, and Sergio Ramos’ red card only added to the pain of a 5-0 drubbing.
“One team played very good, one team very bad,” Mourinho confessed to the press. “I've always said that the club [Barcelona] is a finished product and Madrid are a long way short.
“Humiliated? No. It's easy to deal with this loss, we just weren't good enough.”
The rhetoric around the camp is good. There is an acceptance of the pain suffered on Monday, but equally there is a desire to right what was a very poor performance. Against los Che, los Blancos have an immediate chance to show the rest of Spain that they are in the title race for the duration and won’t be finished by Barca’s tour de force.
Be Careful
Valencia may be one of Spain’s greatest clubs, but they approach this fixture very much in the shadow of Real Madrid given recent events. That won’t necessarily displease coach Unai Emery, whose men are starting to emerge from a four match winless streak in the autumn that has cost them a place in the top four at present.
Much of their positive work has been done at home, with victories over Rangers, Getafe, Bursaspor and Almeria serving to boost confidence. On their travels in La Liga, however, they have not won since the last weekend in September, when Sporting de Gijon were beaten 2-0. Going to Real Madrid, even a Real Madrid in a state of shock, will be no easy ask.
“Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are at their highest level ever,” Cesar Sanchez told the media. “In addition, Madrid are characterised by being able to recover from painful losses, and they will be looking forward to Saturday’s game.
“We have the same desire to win as them. We must play our game and work hard for 90 minutes, because they will not forgive mistakes, and they can change the game in an instant.”
Chasing the final Champions League spot, los Che will see Saturday night’s encounter as an opportunity to earn some unexpected points at the Bernabeu. Madrid are vulnerable, but by the same token, Valencia are unpredictable and must approach this fixture with the vigilance it requires. From Cesar’s comments, the mentality appears to be right.
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in the squad is headline news as he was doubtful earlier this week due to an inflamed tendon. Ezequiel Garay is also present.
Sergio Canales, Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka and Fernando Gago remain on the sidelines due to injury.
Ricardo Carvalho and Sergio Ramos are both suspended.
Valencia
Cesar and Moya are out, so third choice goalkeeper Guaita will be given the honour of protecting the net. David Navarro and Vicente are overlooked due to technical decisions, while Jeremy Mathieu, Sofiane Feghouli Manuel Fernandes and Mehmet Topal are injured.
Prediction
Much will be learnt about this Real Madrid side by the way they respond to last weekend’s game. Jose Mourinho would expect to have his men going into this fixture with a positive and determined mentality, which could make all the difference come full-time.
Real Madrid 2-1 Valencia 
