Real Madrid is back where it believes it should be, on top of Spain’s La Liga table and cruising through its Champions League group qualifiers.
But we’re not sure the fact that Valencia continues to track Los Merengues in the domestic race and remains afloat in its own Champions League quest isn’t a bigger storyline on the continent.
The two Spanish powers get together once again on Saturday night at Valencia’s venerable La Mestalla in the featured match on this weekend’s European domestic card. Kickoff time will be at 4:00 p.m. (ET), with TV coverage in the states provided by ESPN’s family of networks (Deportes and ESPN3).
European wagering shops, however, don’t think Real Madrid is going to have much trouble, listed as a 4/7 choice to win at the majority of outlets. The take-back on a Valencia win is a hefty 11/2, with the draw priced at an interesting 16/5. Real Madrid’s considerable firepower has also discounted the price on ‘over’ 2.5 goals to 4/7.
That we are even talking about Valencia in contending terms in Spain rates as one of the ongoing surprise headlines in European football. That’s because Los Che’s financial headaches rival those of the Spanish government, overloaded with debt that has threatened the very existence of the club in recent years.
Somehow, Los Che continues to soldier forward despite having to sell off star assets such as David Villa (Man City), David Silva (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea), and Raul Albiol (Real Madrid) in the past few years. Moreover, its long-awaited "Nou Mestalla" stadium, a proposed 75,000-seat football palace, sits empty and halfway finished not far from the old Mestalla, a victim of cost overruns and lack of funds.
Thus, Los Che continue to perform at the original Mestalla, which still rates as one of Europe’s most intimidating venues. With its steep upper decks reminiscent of a ski jump, fans, led by the drum-beating Manolo el del bombo, cheer on their favorite team, still the best-supported in Espana behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
But the series of sales of key on-field components has forced Valencia to continually reinvent itself. That Los Che currently sit third in the Liga table, just four points adrift of leader Real Madrid, and has qualified for another UCL (and making a good fist of it) still amazes many Euro football aficionados.
Manager Unai Emery continues to mix and match effectively, relying upon a rock-solid defense that has conceded only nine goals in eleven Liga matches. Goalkeeper Vicente Guaita continues to perform at a high level. Meanwhile, Emery’s attack looks to isolate crafty striker Roberto Soldado, on a team-high six goals already.
But the ranks at the Mestalla are thinning, with injuries beginning to deplete the available options at midfield. Argentinian Ever Banega, the axis in midfield, is likely out until Christmas with a knee injury.
On paper, it would seem as if Valencia cannot keep pace with the riches at Jose Mourinho’s disposal for Real Madrid. Los Blancos have more than doubled Valencia’s goal-scoring output through eleven Liga matches (39 to 19) and romped in both of the clashes last season by an aggregate 8-3 scoreline. Real Madrid is also sitting upon an astounding +32 goal difference after just 11 domestic matches, by far the best such mark in Europe and further indicator if its dominance.
Real Madrid has rocketed to the top of Liga thanks to its irresistible strike force that has found a proper tune with Cristiano Ronaldo finally on song. With Ronaldo on 13 goals and Argentine strike partner Gonzalo Higuain on 11 goals, Real Madrid arguably owns the best 1-2 scoring punch on the planet.
Add in Frenchman Karim Benzema’s 6 Liga goals and the embarrassment of riches at Mourinho’s disposal becomes apparent.
What Euro observers like a bit more about this season’s version of Real Madrid preferable to a year ago, however, is how Mourinho seems to have finally been able to define roles for the outfield portion of his lineup. Angel di Maria’s scoring instincts have been rechanneled into one of service instead; his 10 assists rates as tops in Liga. Along with Mesut Ozil, there are no shortage of creative influences at Mourinho’s disposal. The World Cup veteran Xabi Alonso has also become more comfy in his midfield holding role.
Meanwhile, all Moruinho has at the rearguard is perhaps the best fullback (Sergio Ramos) and best goalkeeper (Iker Casillas) in Europe.
It’s no wonder Real Madrid is flying so high at the moment. We doubt even the intimidating Mestalla venue can slow down Mourinho’s charges this weekend.