Intro:

Newly crowned world champions Real Madrid prepare for a tough trip to Valencia as league restarts.

Script:

As La Liga swings back into action, Real Madrid are sitting pretty at the top of the table.

One point clear in the standings - and with a game in hand - Real Madrid will take on Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday.

Since losing to Atletico Madrid on September 13th, Carlo Ancelotti's side have gone on a 22 straight winning run in all competitions - including the games their run to the FIFA Club World Cup last month.

Valencia are expected to mark Madrid's world title with a guard of honour, yet Ancelotti is expecting a tough game against an improved Valencia....

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach

"It will be a difficult game tomorrow, we need to do everything well: defend well and attack well. Valencia have been doing extremely well lately, they have completely changed their style comparing to last year, they′re stronger, they′re more solid, they′re more dangerous. It′s going to be a good test for us because the match is really difficult."

Real can call upon a fully fit Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 25 goals in 14 league games.

Luka Modric is the only notable absentee with a calf injured due to keep him out of action for the next six weeks.