Valencia vs Real Sociedad preview - Third place matters for Juan

Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA

Valencia can assure themselves of a top-four finish when they welcome Real Sociedad to the Mestalla, although it is third spot that Los Che forward Juan Mata has his sights set on.

Unai Emery's men have been a fixture in the Champions League spots since beating Sociedad away back in December, and they could guarantee themselves at least a fourth-placed finish against the Basque side as they are currently 11 points clear of fifth-placed Atletico Madrid heading into the final four games of the season.

Valencia are also still on course to claim third place, although they have seen their lead over fourth-placed Villarreal reduced to three points after losing their last two games, and it is that berth that Mata is targeting.

"After so much time being third it would be a disappointment for everyone to fall to fourth place," said the Spain international, who insists his side have not taken their foot off the pedal in recent weeks.

"I don't think the team has relaxed, or that after the 5-0 win over Villarreal we thought that it was all done and dusted.

"We knew it wasn't like that and that Villarreal were not going to make it easy for us. We've spent many months working to stay third and we are close to it, we cannot slow up because we could lose it.

"On Saturday we are playing for three very important points after two games without picking up anything. We're only thinking about winning.

"We depend on ourselves and we will try to win all four games, because by doing that we will definitely be third."

Sociedad are also battling for points, although their fight is at the other end of the table as they try to avoid an immediate return to the Segunda Division.

The Basque side, who were promoted as champions last season, gave their hopes of survival a huge boost last weekend when they beat leaders Barcelona 2-1, and they are now four points above the relegation zone.

Another victory this weekend could see Martin Lasarte's men all but safe, with veteran striker Raul Tamudo saying: "Three points against Valencia would round off our season nicely."