Real Madrid vs Valencia preview - Albiol primed for Los Che challenge

Posted Sunday, April 08, 2012 by PA

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol has called on his team-mates to take another stride toward a La Liga and Champions League double when they host Valencia.

The Spanish league leaders booked their place in the semi-finals of Europe's elite competition by completing an 8-2 aggregate victory over APOEL Nicosia in midweek.

Jose Mourinho's men now turn their attention back to the Primera Division and a potentially tricky visit from the re-energised third-placed side.

Valencia trail Madrid by a huge 30 points but, following a tough spell, are now in good spirits after reaching the Europa League semi-finals.

With second-placed Barca facing lowly Real Zaragoza in round 31, Real know they could have their work cut out to preserve their current six-point advantage at the top over the weekend.

Albiol told club sponsors bwin.com: "The most important thing is that we get the three points and have a good match in front of our fans.

"It will be a very tough match because Valencia did not win their last three league matches and they will want to keep third place.

"We have to collect three points every game. There are still many matches remaining and, for now, we only have to think about the match against Valencia.

"We are very ambitious and we want to win the title in the two competitions we are in - La Liga and the Champions League.

"One last effort from everyone and perhaps we can do it.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is fantastic, we all get along with each other. You can see it on the field."

A surprise victory for Valencia at the Bernabeu would wrap up a perfect week for coach Unai Emery.

Emery's future has been questioned after a run of just three wins in 14 league outings, but his side impressed as they thrashed AZ Alkmaar 4-0 on Thursday to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit in their Europa League tie.

Malaga are just a point behind Valencia, but Emery is now hopeful his side can build some momentum and retain their grip on the third automatic Champions League qualifying spot.

He said: "Within the squad and the whole club from the president down we are looking for solutions so that the team can put this negative run behind them."