Valencia v Real Madrid: Real take record to fortress Mestalla

La Liga leaders Real Madrid face a stern test of their record-breaking winning run when they travel to Valencia on Sunday.

Although they suffered a 4-2 mid-season friendly defeat to Milan in Abu Dhabi this week, Carlo Ancelotti’s team head to Mestalla having won all of their last 22 competitive outings – a Spanish record.

But Valencia, who enter 2015’s first round of league fixtures eight points behind Real in fourth, have excellent home form to thank for their lofty standing.

Only Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao have avoided defeat at Valencia this term, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men having won six of eight Liga outings on their own patch.

Nevertheless, Valencia midfielder Sofiane Feghouli is under no illusions with regards to the challenge ahead of himself and his team-mates.

“I’m very happy to help Valencia against Real Madrid,” Feghouli told a press conference ahead of what will be his final game before joining up with Algeria’s Africa Cup of Nations squad. 

“It’s a very important game for the club, and I want to contribute the maximum on the pitch.

“It’s a beautiful game against the strongest team in the world, where every player wants to be. 

“We’ll do our best to win and give joy to our fans, who deserve it.”

Feghouli is set to be joined in the Valencia midfield by fresh arrival Enzo Perez.

The 28-year-old trained with his new colleagues for the first time on New Year’s Eve following a move from Benfica reported to be worth in the region of €25million.

Javi Fuego’s suspension for collecting his fifth booking of the season in Valencia’s 1-0 win at Eibar before Christmas means Perez could earn a place in the starting XI.

The main selection issue facing Ancelotti and Real is whether to pitch Marcelo back into action at left-back.

The Brazil international sustained a thigh injury during Real’s Club World Cup final triumph over San Lorenzo, but has returned to training ahead of schedule having been initially forecast to spend three weeks on the sidelines.

Playmaker James Rodriguez missed Real’s previous Liga game at Almeria due to a calf problem but is ready to return to domestic duty having completed 90 minutes as San Lorenzo were dispatched 2-0.

Fellow midfielder Luka Modric remains Ancelotti’s most notable absentee due to a thigh complaint that is expected to keep him out for another six weeks.