Back to the league for Madrid

Posted Saturday, May 03, 2014 by PA

Champions League finalists Real Madrid need to refocus their attention on the Primera Division title race, with victory over Valencia a must to keep within touching distance of top spot.

Having hammered reigning European champions Bayern Munich 4-0 at the Allianz Arena to seal their place at the Lisbon showpiece, Real now host Valencia in a match that they will surely need to win to keep the heat on leaders Atletico Madrid and fellow challengers Barcelona.

All the signs augur well for Carlo Ancelotti's men, who have won their last five matches in all competitions and 12 of their last 13 league games at the Bernabeu.

Their last three home outings in La Liga have yielded victory by scores of 5-0, 4-0 and 4-0 over Rayo Vallecano, Almeria and Osasuna and Valencia, sitting eighth and unpromisingly placed for a European push, represent ripe opponents for another big success.

The suffered Europa League heartbreak on Thursday, when an injury-time away goal saw Sevilla pip them to a place in the final, and are attempting to break a winless run on the road that stretches to six matches.

Ancelotti is unlikely to risk midfielder Luka Modric in the match. The Croatia international sat out training on Friday with discomfort in his right leg and, with Xabi Alonso suspended for the Champions League final, will be treated with kid gloves.

Valencia skipper Ricardo Costa faces the challenge of lifting his troops following their midweek misery and admits it will not be easy.

"I've had difficult times in my career but that was hard for everyone connected with the club," said the Portuguese.

"It's hard to have a spot in a European final and in 15 seconds lose the opportunity.

"But starting against Real the mood has to change and we have to honor the shirt we wear. The match in Madrid will be hard, with the title at stake but we should be able to face a tough match and prove that we are the Valencia."