Real Madrid vs. Valencia: 5 players who must shine on Sunday

Real Madrid will face Valencia at home on Sunday afternoon, seeking revenge after a 4-1 loss to the Bats earlier this season at the Mestalla. Los Blancos are riding high after back-to-back wins over Huesca and Getafe, with the latter victory on Tuesday afternoon giving the team real confidence. They won that match with a lot of key players out, including a suspended Toni Kroos.

More injuries have mounted, though, as Marvin Park and Marcelo both went down at mid-week. Let’s take a look at five players who must shine for Real Madrid on Matchday 23 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.

CB Nacho Fernandez

We begin with experienced center back Nacho Fernandez, who was quietly excellent again on the right-hand side of a back three vs. Getafe. Nacho has been consistently good all season long in central defense, and with Sergio Ramos out for several weeks, he will likely be the preferred option next to Raphael Varane, especially against a tricky side like Valencia.

In addition to providing solid defensive cover next to Varane, Nacho will be tasked with making smart passes out of the back and even getting into the penalty box when needed. It takes a monumental effort to make up for Ramos’ absence in the starting XI, so Nacho will have to keep raising his game.