After Sevilla claimed a 0-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, they took over the fourth and final Champions League spot. However, Valencia has yet to play this weekend but will do so tonight as The Bats take on Granada at La Mestalla with European implications on the line.
Compared to last season, Valencia have vastly improved under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo; a relatively unknown manager until this year. His style has made his club a joy to watch. They move the ball from one side to another while trying to exploit the oppositions space with their intricate passing. He has also given some younger footballers the chance to show what they are made of and they've made the most of it.
One of those who has really shone this season is José Gayá. The 19-year-old has played in 29 matches and can play either as a left-back or a left midfielder and can use his pace and technical ability to blow by defenders. Paco Alcacer has scored eight goals this season and has made apperances for the Spanish national team. If they win their remaining four matches than Valencia will be back in the Champions League and it starts by imposing their speed and strenght on the lowly outfit.
Granada have had a very poor season and currently find themselves second from the bottom on 25 points, five behind the basement club. In 32 matches thus far this season, they have only managed to find the back of the net 21 times, which is second worst in the league. Having won only four times on top of the poor goal scoring is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, Granada are just six points from safety and could still survive to see another year in the top flight, but things will have to change very quickly in order for that to happen.
The hosts for this match have no suspensions or injuries and that will make Mr. Nuno happy with knowing he has a whole host of footballers to pick from. Unfortunately, that cannot be said for Granada as they have a laundry list of players out due to various injuries and one suspenion -- Rubén Pérez is suspended.