Valencia vs Real Madrid preview - Roberto out for revenge

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2013 by PA

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado is ready to set the record straight in a re-match with Real Madrid just five days after Jose Mourinho's side triumphed 2-0 in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey quarter-final.

The return leg of the cup competition is next Wednesday, meaning the two sides will have faced each other three times in eight days following Sunday's Primera Division meeting at Mestalla.

Soldado has dismissed claims the referee favoured Madrid during the first leg clash at the Bernabeu, but believes last Tuesday's result will galvanise his team for their next two games.

"It has served to strengthen us, to make us stronger and it really could go either way," Soldado told as.com.

"We could get out a better and a worse outcome because they had chances, but we must do better than what happened at the Bernabeu.

"We are outraged but above all that we have to unite and do more at home with these two games against Real Madrid.

"It's nice to live three games of this intensity against Real Madrid. Everyone is really looking forward to Sunday's revenge match."

Meanwhile, Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan denied he is now manager Mourinho's first choice for the rest of the season after Spain international Iker Casillas reportedly fell out with the Portuguese.

Adan told realmadrid.com: "I'll train and I will wait for the boss' team sheet, that is who has the power to say who plays.

"I have no idea whether I will play or not and all I have to do is work hard over the coming days and wait for the line-up to be decided.

"If the coach has already decided that I am going to play, then only you know. For me, playing at all is the important thing. Last year I played five or six matches. This year we are in January and I've already passed that barrier.

"Anything that means getting more pitch time is important".

Adan also denied a rift with Casillas.

"Our relationship is very good. I have already said that apart from being teammates, we're friends. He has been great with me," he said.

"Casillas is the captain of Real Madrid and Spain. He brings together all the values of a footballer and a team-mate and has helped me at all times and given me his support and trust".