Valencia vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos’ Good Run & 6 Other Key Stats Ahead of Sunday’s Clash

?Real Madrid travel to Valencia on Sunday evening knowing that victory could see them go top of La Liga following Barcelona’s slip up against Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have a good recent record against their opponents heading into the clash at the Mestalla Stadium, something that will put them in good stead when they take on the side currently eighth in the table.

They come up against a side full of confidence, however, having secured their place in the Champions League knockout stages as group winners following their superb victory over Ajax in the final round of group fixtures.

Here are six stats that may offer ?Madrid some hope of leaving southeastern Spain with a positive result, courtesy of our friends at Opta.

Four on the Spin

Having endured a something of rocky start to the season, Madrid have now won four consecutive La Liga games for the first time since Zidane’s return in the dugout.

Should they overcome Valencia then they will have won five league matches in a row for the first time under the Frenchman since they claimed seven victories on the bounce between April and August 2017.

Carry on Karim

One of the most impressive performers for Madrid this season has been their number nine, with ?Karim Benzema hitting top form in another stellar campaign for the Frenchman.

Hoping to continue that run on Sunday, he has been directly involved in nine goals in his last six La Liga matches (five goals and four assists). In total this season, he’s bagged 11 goals and set up another four in a superb start to the current La Liga campaign.

Sergio Ramos Finds His Calm Edge

Unremarkably, ?Sergio Ramos has been sent off at least once against all six sides he’s faced more than 24 times in La Liga.

Remarkably, there is actually a seventh (Valencia) and he is yet to see red against this opposition.

Early bath incoming.

Continue as They Left Off

The last league meeting between these two sides saw Valencia overcome Los Blancos 2-1 at the Mestalla Stadium, but they failed to taste victory in any of the four clashes prior, losing three and drawing one.

Clearly they favour home turf, having won three of their last five La Liga matches against Madrid (W3 D1 L1) when Zidane’s side come to town, after losing their previous five.

Shoot and You Will Score

Only ?Barcelona have a better shot conversion in La Liga than Valencia this season, with Los Ches boasting 16% to La Bluagrana’s 21.4%.

Just for you to know, that means Valencia score on average one goal after every 6.25 shots. You’re welcome.

Powerless to Prevent Parejo

Well, sort of. Daniel Parejo has been involved in more La Liga goals against Madrid than against any other opponent (12 goals in 19 appearances, scoring five and assisting seven).

The Spanish midfielder played a starring role when these sides met back in April, grabbing an assist for Ezequiel Garay’s thumping header which proved to be the winner.

Confirmed Lineups

Let’