Real Madrid play struggling Valencia in La Liga ahead of Liverpool trip

BARCELONA: Real Madrid will look to take care of business against a struggling Valencia and maintain their La Liga lead this weekend before turning to their demanding match at Liverpool.
Xabi Alonso’s team visit Anfield in a clash of European title hopefuls next Tuesday in the Champions League.
Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 last weekend to end a run of four clasico victories for the Catalan club from last season. The victory allowed Madrid to open a five-point gap at the top of the league standings over second-placed Barcelona.
Key matches
Madrid are on a five-game winning streak that includes a 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
Kylian Mbappé struck his 11th goal in the domestic league to help defeat Barcelona.

The France striker is also joint top of the Champions League with Harry Kane on five goals each.
On Saturday, Madrid will host a Valencia that were jeered by home fans during a 2-0 loss against regional rival Villarreal in the last round. Valencia are winless in five games and have sunk into the relegation zone.
An injury-hit Barcelona will look to lick their wounds from their clasico defeat when they host Elche on Sunday.
Elche have been the surprise package in the first months.

The small southern club were promoted at the end of last season and have so far defied expectations. Coach Eder Sarabia has his team in eighth place after just two losses through Round 10.
Third-placed Villarreal can provisionally move ahead of Barcelona on Saturday if they beat Rayo Vallecano.
Players to watch
All eyes in the Santiago Bernabeu will be on Vinícius Júnior and Alonso.
Vinícius was visibly upset when his coach substituted him with around 20 minutes left in the clasico.