Real Madrid is playing its best soccer of the season as it enters its third straight match against Valencia.
The team took down Valencia in its last two matches by a combined score of 7-0. In the Copa del Rey battle at the Santiago Bernabeau stadium last week, Valencia was shut out 2-0 by Madrid. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was not even at his best in that match and even had a fight with coach Jose Mourinho afterwards. Despite that, Valencia looked lost in the match and overwhelmed by the Merengues.
The second match was even more embarrassing. Los Che showed more spark and managed four shots on goal but were ultimately annihilated 5-0 by Madrid. While Ronaldo was held in check during the first match, the Portuguese superstar had arguably his best game of the season with two goals and an assist. Madrid got the festivities off to a fast start when Gonzalo Higuain scored at the ninth minute. The team did not see another goal until the 34th minute when Angel Di Maria scored his first of two tallies. Ronaldo followed up with a pair in the 36th and 41st and Di Maria ended the first half with a goal in 45th minute.
Valencia needs a big game as they are down 2-0 in the aggregate for the Copa Del Rey. They will need to beat Madrid by at least 3-0. A win for Madrid potentially sets up a semi-final date with Barcelona.
Prediction: Look for Ronaldo to continue his determined play since losing the apprized Ballon D'Or. 4-0 Real Madrid with two goals from Ronaldo.
Start Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
TV Info: beIN Sport USA
***UPDATES: After 45 minutes, Madrid has a 1-0 lead off a goal from Karim Benzema. That is Benzema's 3rd goal of 2013. Valencia now has to score three goals in the second half to push the game to extra time or penalties.