Real Madrid welcome Valencia after Copa del Rey epic | OneFootball

Real Madrid will have little time to bask in their midweek Copa del Rey success as they return to La Liga action on Saturday, when they host Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.Carlo Ancelotti’s side edged through a chaotic 4-4 draw with Real Sociedad in midweek to book their place in the Copa final, where they will face Barcelona. But with La Liga still very much in the balance, the Italian is keen for his players to stay grounded.“We’re aware it’s an important moment in the season,” Ancelotti said ahead of matchday 30. “We’re motivated and ready to fight.”Madrid currently sit second in the table, three points adrift of Barcelona, meaning any slip-up this weekend could widen the gap and dent their title aspirations. With a Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal also on the horizon, the challenge now is maintaining focus across all fronts without letting fatigue or fixture congestion creep in.Ancelotti admitted there are concerns over the fitness of goalkeepers Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin, with 18-year-old Fran Gonzalez potentially in line for a first-team debut.“If his moment comes, we’ll be very happy for him,” the manager said. “We’re not worried.”Madrid’s defensive issues were evident against Sociedad despite progressing, with Ancelotti acknowledging their vulnerability at the back. However, he pointed to their offensive efficiency, largely spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe’s 33 goals this season, as a key asset.In midfield, Jude Bellingham’s availability remains uncertain, with the England international potentially being rested. “He recovers quickly and is in good form,” Ancelotti added. “But it’s an option to give him a rest.”Valencia, meanwhile, make the trip to the capital fresh from a 1-0 win over Mallorca. Carlos Corberan’s men have gone four league games unbeaten, but remain just four points above the relegation zone in 15th.Los Che have not won a league match away to Madrid since 2008 and are yet to win on the road in La Liga this season, collecting only seven points from 14 games.While they may arrive as underdogs, their fresher legs and recent resilience offer a threat Madrid cannot afford to underestimate.The title race leaves no room for hesitation. Real Madrid must deliver a disciplined, focused performance on Saturday or risk watching Barcelona edge further away.