Valencia vs Villarreal preview - Parejo demands bragging rights
Posted Saturday, April 04, 2015 by PA
Valencia captain Dani Parejo has challenged his side to deal local rivals Villarreal another blow in their European qualification ambitions with victory at the Mestalla on Sunday.
Since losing at Malaga on February 2, Valencia are unbeaten with seven wins from eight Primera Division matches to sit third, four points behind second-placed Real Madrid.
Villarreal, however, need to pick up form to stand any hope of getting into the top four, currently 10 points adrift having failed to win since beating Celta Vigo 4-1 on March 8.
"It is a derby, with two teams who are fighting for practically the same objectives, but they are not in good form and need to win," the midfielder said on the club's official website, www.valenciacf.com.
"We are up against a direct rival, although they are a little far off the fight for the Champions League.
"They are probably on their worst run of the season, on a bit of a dip that has left them off the Champions League fight.
"We are doing very well at home, with our fans giving us a lot of confidence.
"So we start with this advantage, although the game is 50-50. We have to give 100 per cent in order to take the three points.
"We have got 10 finals remaining and Sunday's game is one of them."
Parejo feels home advantage will prove crucial.
He added: "I would say this has been an exceptional year. The fans are filling the stadium and it's incredible at home, with a great atmosphere that helps us a lot.
"We give our all and, if we continue this way, we can achieve great things this year."
Villarreal defender Eric Bailly believes victory at their rivals could kickstart the run-in for the Yellow Submarine.
"It is a great opportunity to get confidence going into the final stretch of the season," he said at www.villarrealcf.es.
"We must stay focused for 90 minutes, because we know it will be a difficult match.
"However, this is a special game for the team and for the fans, and in these type of games, you never know.
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