Winning is not an option, it is the only thing that Real Madrid must go after in their upcoming game against Valencia in the Santiago Bernabeu. Los Merengues will play already knowing the outcome of Barcelona's game and if they have a chance to take over La Liga or hope the competition doesn't stop by May 16.
Ronaldo is on fire against Valencia
DID YOU KNOW? @Cristiano has scored 9 goals in 10 games against Valencia in the Liga! pic.twitter.com/8l8h62HAK3
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 8, 2015
Real Madrid comes into their own house a bit demoralized after losing the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Juventus. Many critics believe that was in large part due to playing Sergio Ramos in the midfield and Gareth Bale right from the start. Carlo Ancelotti has not revealed if that will happen again.
There is a reason to set up Ramos as a midfielder again
.@MrAncelotti: “Khedira has not recovered yet from a foot injury”. #RMLive
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 8, 2015
The good news is that Karim Benzema is back with the team on game-day, 21 days after suffering an issue with his knee. His place was taken by Javier Hernández in most games and he responded with two goals and two assists in the last three games. Chances are, Javier could start and Karim will come in the second half.
Before the debacle in Turin, Real Madrid had a nine-game unbeaten streak that started just after losing to Barcelona in El Clasico. Los Cules
The manager is not blaming only one person for their recent defeat
.@MrAncelotti: “Bale’s game wasn’t good against Juventus just like the whole team’s game wasn’t good”. #RMLive
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) May 8, 2015
Valencia is currently in fourth place, four points behind Atletico Madrid. If the negotiations to avoid the strike are successful and all 38 games in La Liga schedule are played, they have a chance to overtake Los Colchoneros and avoid having to go through a playoff game to get into next year's Champions League.
There are plenty of reasons that Valencia is motivated to play Madrid. First of all, if they win, they eliminate Madrid's chances to win La Liga. They have handed Los Merengues one of their six losses this season. It was probably the one that hurt Real the most when they stopped Madrid's 22-game unbeaten streak in January.
Jose Gaya wants to show what he is worth for the club
#GAYÀ2020 #ValencianistaSpirit pic.twitter.com/XeC3Zp4yCm
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) May 8, 2015
On January 4th, 2015, Valencia was able to overturn a 0-1 at halftime, to a 2-1 by the end of the 90 minutes. It was a close game at Mestalla, but the luck favored the home team that time. Now the team knows what it is like to beat the World Champion.
Nuno Espirito Santo's main goal is to win. To do so, he must find a system to stop Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored four goals in the last two games. The Portuguese striker is fighting game after game with Messi to see who claims the Pichichi. Valencia considers to be up for the challenge that Madrid could prove to be.
Valencia is clearly not the favorite in this one
Real Madrid have lost just one of their last 13 matches vs Valencia. #RMvsValencia
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) May 9, 2015
Real Madrid vs Valencia team sheets
Real Madrid's lineup:Casillas, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kroos, James, Bale, Chicharito, Arbeloa, Isco.
Valencia's lineup: Alves, Barragan, Mustafi, Otamendi, Gayá; Javi Fuego, Gomes, Parejo; Feghouli, Piatti, Alcácer.
Real Madrid's bench: Navas, Marcelo, Carvajal, Lucas Silva, Nacho, Jesé, Illarra.
Valencia's bench: TBA
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