It really is pouring down in Madrid but Valencia have adapted quickly to the greasy surface. Nani is putting himself about as the visitors show they have not arrived in the Spanish capital to shut up shop.

What a mish-mash of a season it's been for Valencia. They are on their third boss of the season after dismissing Pako Ayestaran, with the side bottom of La Liga having lost their opening four games of the season, before Cesare Prandelli resigned after 10 matches in charge. 

Former Spain defender Voro is the current man at the helm and he is seeking a famous double over Real after masterminding a 2-1 win over the European champions in Valencia nine weeks ago.

Valencia start at the Bernabeu 12th in the table but arrive in Spain's capital looking to avoid a third straight league defeat.

A huge scare for Real as Valencia hit the post in the opening exchanges. This is as strong a side as Zinedine Zidane could field - Gareth Bale is injured - yet Sergio Ramos is caught out at the back and Santi Mina fires against the base of the post from an angle with Real's defence all over the place.

Real have dropped more points at the Bernabeu this season than playing away from home. They can't mess this one up if they want to end a five-year wait for the title. 

We're under way.

Shock! Horror! It's been raining in Madrid. Slate-grey skies over the Bernabeu as both teams emerge. 

Real Madrid
Real Madrid

Real fans don't need reminding it's been five years since their club won La Liga.

Zinedine Zidane's team messed up last time they played at the Bernabeu in El Clasico but Zinedine Zidane is convinced his side can hold their nerve and seal a La Liga-Champions League double.

“We still have a month and a half to get through and we're convinced we can do it," he said. "We know that what we have all done up until now has been phenomenal. This is the best moment of the season emotionally and we're doing well."

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Image source, Rex Features

Cristiano Ronaldo, Toni Kross, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are among those returning after being rested in midweek as Zinedine Zidane makes nine changes from the side that started the 6-2 away win against Deportivo La Coruna.

The two survivors are defender Marcelo and Nacho. Gareth Bale is out with a calf injury.

Real Madrid: Navas, Carvajal, Nacho, Ramos, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Rodriguez, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Former Manchester United winger Nani starts for Valencia while Eliaquim Mangala, on loan from Manchester City for the season, lines up in defence. 

Valencia: Alves, Montoya, Garay, Mangala, Lato, Parejo, Soler, Orellana, Munir, Nani, Mina.

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Hello and welcome to a huge day of action at the top of La Liga.

Barcelona might be back on top of the table courtesy of a better head-to-head record over their arch rivals but, crucially, Real Madrid have a game in hand.

Will it go down to the wire on 21 May? 

Today, Real host mid-table Valencia (15:00 BST) before Barcelona make the short journey to face Espanyol in the Catalan derby (19:45 BST).

Real have won just one of the last six league games against Valencia while it's worth noting Barca have slipped up in La Liga against Alaves, Celta Vigo, Deportivo La Coruna and Malaga this season. 

Any surprises in store in the next few hours?

Madrid in May. More often than not, a time for celebration.

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A time when Real Madrid fans take a dip in the Cibeles fountain to celebrate their team's achievements.

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Yet with the season nearing its climax, Real are still not guaranteed any new trophies and last week's El Clasico defeat has fans questioning whether there will be a street party this year.

Will it be a case of so near yet so far for Zinedine Zidane's men?

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