Following the successful midweek when Los Blancos secured their place in the UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid lock horns with Valencia on Sunday, eager to extend their winning run to 11 games in a row and to keep pressure on the league leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are just a point in front.

Real Madrid on the run

Los Blancos are heading into their Sunday duel in high spirits having dispatched Manchester City 1-0 to earn their place in the Champions League finale earlier this week. Gareth Bale was the man of the hour as the Welshman’s deflected cross ended up behind Joe Hart for the sole goal which made all the difference between the Spanish and the English teams. Turningtheir focus towards La Liga, ZInedine Zidane’s men will look to utilise the momentum and keep their title bid alive by putting additional pressure to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. Real currently sit in third place, just a single point behind the leading duo, which is a huge improvement to where they had been just a couple of months ago. Los Blancos were nine points adrift of the Catalans in February, but their 1—match winning streak put them back in the game, along with the defending champions’ poor stretch of form. All in all, Zidane’s men are hugely motivated to make the most of the forthcoming duel at Santiago Bernabeu and are expected to hit Valencia hard from the off.

Cristiano Ronaldo returned to action during the midweek match against Manchester City and is expected to keep his place in the team. Karim Benzema and Casemiro continue to miss out, while Real Madrid are also without Nacho due to his one-match suspension.

Valencia’s 4-game unbeaten run snapped

Gary Neville’s departure did well for Los Che who showed signs of improvement to get away from the dangerous zone and get on the cusps of Europa League berth. However, Valencia lost to Villarreal last time our meaning their four-match unbeaten run came to a halt. At the same time, Valencia got deprived from any chance of reaching the Europa League football next season as they now sit settled in ninth position, eight points behind Sevilla with only two games remaining in the La Liga campaign. Los Che will can’t wait for this season to end so that they could begin preparations for the next term which will hopefully be a major improvement to this year. The club has already started exploring some options in order to boost the squad next year and the primary target is believed to be Napoli’s Callejon, who is being linked with a summer move to Mestalla.

Diego Alves is expected to start in goal for Mat Ryan, while Joao Cancelo is in line to be picked in front of Antonio Barragan at left-back. Rodrigo is suffering from an ankle knock and could be rested for the Sunday’s duel.

Verdict

Valencia have improved their form significantly, but Champions League finalists are sure to do their best to prevent any upsets at their home ground. Los Blancos are keen to add pressure in their title charge and there is a good value in betting on the home side.

Top pick: HT/FT Home win   1.57 (4/7) @Coral

Alternative pick 1: Ronaldo to score anytime   1.37 (7/19) @888sport

Alternative pick 2: Real to win to nil   2.62 (13/8) @BetVictor