Almeria vs Valencia preview - Wins still matter to Mata

Posted Saturday, April 16, 2011 by PA

Valencia forward Juan Mata has warned his side against thinking the hard work is now done in their race for third place following last weekend's 5-0 mauling of Villarreal.

Los Che moved six points clear of fourth-placed Villarreal with that victory, and the gap is essentially seven points as Valencia also boast the better head-to-head record between the two this season.

With only seven games remaining it would be a big surprise if Valencia did not finish in the top three now, especially as Villarreal have the added distraction of the Europa League, where they have reached the semi-finals.

However, Mata, who scored twice against Villarreal, is not getting carried away, saying on www.superdeporte.es: "We would be wrong if we thought everything was done and dusted.

"It's an important advantage, but there are still games left to play and I'm convinced that Villarreal won't be satisfied with fourth place. Villarreal are going to continue fighting."

Valencia will hope to take another step towards claiming third spot this weekend when they travel to rock-bottom Almeria.

Almeria have lost their last three matches - including their first game under new coach Roberto Olabe at Barcelona last weekend - and are now seven points adrift of safety.

The Andalusian side look doomed, especially as they still have to face Sevilla, Villarreal and Real Madrid before the end of the season, but Mata is determined not to underestimate the Primera Division strugglers.

"It's going to be a difficult game. They've just changed coach, they are playing for survival and they are not going to make things easy for us," the Spain international said.

Almeria coach Olabe, who was put in charge until the end of the season after replacing the sacked Jose Luis Oltra, has told his side to take it one game at a time as they fight to avoid the drop.

"We must not look beyond the match against Valencia, and do everything to get the three points in the match," he said.

"We cannot look at the fixture list, or the table, or other results, those things aren't in our hands. Out only objective is to focus on the immediate game and to win it."