Real Madrid vs Valencia preview

May 3, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Real Madrid vs ValenciaHaving hammered Bayern Munich to make it to the Champions League final, Real Madrid will be eager to continue their winning run in La Liga and remain in the hunt for the coveted title.

Los Che have little to play for but pride at the moment, and it remains to be seen if they can recover from the Europa League heartbreak.

This season is turning out to be quite a success for Real Madrid, with their La Decima dream still very much alive.

Los Blancos were not exactly seen as favourites to go through to the final having been pitted against holders Bayern Munich, but they were absolutely brilliant in the semis.

Following the 1-0 triumph at Santiago Bernabeu, Real enjoyed a 4-0 win at Alianz Arena to set up a final clash against local rivals Atletico Madrid in Lisbon.

Oddly enough, Carlo Ancelotti’s men will be vying the same opponents for the league trophy, with los Blancos six points behind at the moment, albeit with a game in hand.

Real Madrid have been made 1.15 (3/20) favourites to defeat Valencia on Sunday and they are 2.00 (1/1) to win by three goals or more.

Luka Modric is doubtful with a leg problem, while Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Khedira and Jese Rodriguez remain on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Casillas – Carvajal, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao – Alonso, Illarramendi, Di Maria – Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Valencia have failed to mount a serious challenge for European positions in La Liga, but the team did surprisingly well in their Europa League campaign.

Los Che overturned a three-goal deficit from the first leg against FC Basel to make it to the semi-finals, where they were pitted against league rivals Sevilla.

Once again, Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side were beaten in the first leg, losing 2-0 at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, but they still managed to produce a memorable performance in the return match.

Valencia impressed to create a three-goal lead at their Mestalla, but were then denied a place in the final by conceding in the dying moments of the match.

And seeing as how the players could take a while to recover from such a blow, you should know los Che are 2.10 (11/10) not to score at the Bernabeu.

Paco Alcacer returns from European suspension, while Victor Ruiz could be back in contention as well. Philippe Senderos is definitely out.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Alves – Pereira, Costa, Mathieu, Bernat – Parejo, Keita – Feghouli, Vargas, Fede – Alcacer.

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