Cheryshev: "A win against Real Madrid would be a huge morale booster"

One of the Valencia CF players who knows Valdebebas very well indeed is Denis Cheryshev, and the one-time Real Madrid talent spoke to VCF Media ahead of Thursday night's fixture against his former club.

Speaking about the visit to the capital, where the venue for the game will be the training ground stadium rather than the Santiago Bernebéu, Cheryshev said that "We're really excited. I'm sure that this is going to be a very difficult game. We want to win at Valdebebas and we hope that we can do it.

"We know that Real Madrid are a great team who always make a difference. But if we provide intensity and desire to win, and play our best football, we can get a positive result. We want to win."

Valencia CF were held to a draw at Mestalla by Levante on Matchday 28, and know what a lift victory against the title contenders would provide.

"A win against Real Madrid would be a huge morale booster. We've got a run of a lot of games in a row and we all have to be united. This is an important time, and the game will have a big say in defining what will happen afterwards."

As for his own history at Real Madrid, the Russian recalls it with a fondness that he will put to one side on Thursday night.

"Playing against Real Madrid is always special, because besides being good footballers they are also excellent people."

"I grew up there, from the age of 11, and spent 12-13 years in the Real Madrid youth system, RM Castilla and the first team. It will be a special game, because I have some very good memories of being there and a lot of friends there. However, out on the pitch there are no friends."