Skip to main content

Previews: Calderon evokes cup spirit for Valencia

Valencia won the King's Cup final against Getafe in the Calderon last year and have appealed for that same "cup spirit" when they return to play Atletico Madrid there on Sunday.

Fourth-placed Valencia hold the final Champions League qualification slot with three games left, one point ahead of Atletico in fifth.

"We'll go with the same enthusiasm as if there were a title in play. We won the Cup there so we have great memories of this stadium," defender Alexis Ruano told sports daily AS.

"Valencia and us have practically the whole season in play in this game," Atletico midfielder Raul Garcia said.

"We aren't in a situation where we can afford to give anything away, even in training," defender Diego Godin said. "The rap on the knuckles he gave us will serve us well."

They came from behind to sweep aside Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the King's Cup final on Wednesday. Thierry Henry, Andres Iniesta and Rafael Marquez are injured, while Bojan Krkic is a doubt.

"If we lose in Soria it will be almost impossible for us to avoid relegation. Numancia are in exactly the same situation which is good for us because it is all-or-nothing for both sides," Ruben said.

Real Betis have hidden themselves away in Portugal's Algarve region to prepare for the home match against Almeria on Sunday after angry fans pelted them with eggs as they left training on Monday.