Valencia next up for Real

After some tough times over the past two seasons, and still enduring their longest trophy-less streak for two decades, Real Madrid players and fans can now afford a smile of self-satisfaction.

The Spanish giants became league leaders last weekend after their fourth successive win, and their European campaign now is also back on track thanks to a thumping 4-1 win over Rosenborg in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Real's next hurdle will be to overcome the ever-competitive Valencia on Sunday, with the visitors currently lying fifth in the Spanish first division with just one loss to their name this season.

"Beating Valencia will be more difficult than beating Rosenborg. They are in good form at the moment," commented David Beckham on Thursday.

Real will have to beat the 2003-04 champions without either of the Brazilian strikers Ronaldo or Julio Baptista, who are both injured.

Ronaldo will be out for approximately a month after suffering a twisted left ankle during the 3-0 derby victory over Atletico last Saturday.

"The absence of Ronaldo is a relief because give him half a chance and he'll shine," said Valencia's Spanish international midfielder Vicente Rodriguez.

Julio Baptista will be on the sidelines for "between four and five weeks" according to Real medical staff on Thursday, after suffering a partial tear of a left knee ligament against Rosenborg.

The injuries to the Brazilian pair mean that club captain Raul Gonzalez and summer signing Robinho are likely to be the Real strike force against Valencia.