It will be a return to the Mestalla this weekend for Real Madrid as they take on Valencia in a La Liga match. Three days ago was the last time Mourinho and co visited Valencia's ground and coincidentally, they defeated Barcelona to win the Copa del Rey in a dramatic match that saw Cristiano Ronaldo clinch the winner during extra time.
Nevertheless, tomorrow's occasion does sound like a gigantic clash but the shape of the La Liga table and the prospects of Champions League matches could possible dampen the level of intensity ahead of this clash. The La Liga seems more like a lost battle for Los Blancos as they trail Barca by eight points with only six more matches remaining.
However, the Champions League still remains a massive chance for Jose Mourinho to make history with Los Merengues this season and the Copa del Rey final victory of the Catalans perfectly justified their much-criticized ability of overcoming the Blaugranas. Therefore, nobody would be surprised if Madrid indeed make a number of key changes in their line-up.
As for Valencia, they probably face Madrid at the wrong time. Unai Emery's men have been in pretty decent form of late in the La Liga with 10 goals in three matches- including a 5-0 drubbing of fourth placed Villareal. Los Che are currently leading the Yellow Submarines by six points and with six more games remaining, a victory against Real Madrid could be the real stepping stone for them in securing a Champions League spot for next season.
However, that very noble aim of theirs might not be as easy as expected with Mourinho and his troops in buoyant mood following their cup triumph in midweek. And even Unai Emery absolutely agrees with it.
Emery said: "Real Madrid will be very dangerous, especially if those who did not play on Wednesday play. It will be a duel where motivation will be at the maximum. Our final is on Saturday and at the time of preparing this game it would be easier to know which players will play and how."
But with the prospect of facing a 'weaker' Madrid side on the cards, Emery still stressed on how Mourinho has implemented a dynamic system that sees them play the same brand of football with different sets of players.
"Madrid have a defined way of playing football and I don't think it will change much. It's not the same as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo is there or not. There are differences between Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema or Emanuel Adebayor.
"We know they they have distinctive characteristics and they are dangerous on the break. They are a great team, but we must learn how to handle them."
Real Madrid might opt to rest the likes of Xabi Alonso and Mesut Oezil but it is expected that Mourinho will allow Cristiano Ronaldo to start so that there is not imminent disruption to his recent good form. However, bit-part players like Kaka and Granero are simply more than just ordinary players and Valencia's key to stopping them would definitely have to be Ever Banega.
The Argentine playmaker has been a revelation for Los Che this season, aiding most of their prominent offensive displays in recent times while also establishing himself as one of the best players in the La Liga. Nonetheless, if Barega can be a key man in midfield for Valencia, just never count out on seeing them upset the favorites by claiming a massive victory over Mourinho's men.
