Despite leading 3-0 from the first-leg, Real Madrid know they are in for a game at the Mestalla on Wednesday evening.
For Valencia would have been hurt by that defeat, as well as being in some state of shock following the 1-0 home reverse against Osasuna on Sunday. Beware the wounded bear as they say.
This is not a good moment for Los Ches. They are finding goals extremely hard to come by at present, while coach Rafa Benitez is unhappy at the lack of reinforcements he believes are needed. Left-back looks to be a particular problem where Amedeo Carboni is set to serve a suspension, and Fabio Aurelio, that talented Br
azilian youngster, is out with a long-term injury.
Real Madrid were impressive in the first-leg, although had Mista brought his shooting boots with him, this second-leg may be somewhat less of a formality. The Ches faithful will argue that it isn't all over, but if Real score once, Valencia will be left needing five.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Valencia: Carboni and Albelda are both out suspended.
Garrido will play at left-back, while Marchena is set to partner Baraja in the midfield engine room. Oliveira is likely to replace Mista in attack.
Real Madrid:
Roberto Carlos and
David Beckham are out through injury and suspension respectively, while Zinedine
Zidane will not start despite recovering from injury.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Valencia: Palop, Curro
Torres, Ayala, Pellegrino,
Garrido, Rufete, Marchena, Baraja, Vicente, Aimar, Oliveira.
Real Madrid:
César,
Salgado,
Helguera,
Mejía,
Raúl Bravo,
Figo,
Borja,
Guti,
Solari,
Raúl,
Ronaldo.