Raul Albiol and Cristiano Ronaldo both noted it this week, ”We are the most entertaining team right now and people enjoy themselves with us." "People like to see Madrid in action.”  Assistant Coach Aitor Karanka, however, would be cautious and warned “[it] will be very difficult to defeat Valencia; last season’s result [at the Mestalla] wasn’t normal given the quality of both sides.”  All three quotes would prove to be correct.

So where do you start when processing this game?  Do you start with the fact that the final score was a 3-2 win by Real Madrid but could so easily have been 3-3?  Do you start with giving commendation to Valencia for demonstrating a “never say die” attitude when the game appeared beyond reach?  Do you start with the fact that Valencia proved there are more than two teams in La Liga?  Perhaps you start with Iker Casillas’ saves at the end of the game to keep Madrid in the lead?  Or do you start with one of the best celebrations I have seen by a coach in some time? 

Whatever your take on the Valencia/Real Madrid game; the word “passion” has to be used.  Madrid has soaring confidence at the moment (as evidenced by the players’ quotes above) and Karim Benzema’s goal at the 20 minute mark could have signaled another multiple goal fest.  Valencia would not go away, however.  Whether it was strong defending in the back or a continuous press going forward, Valencia refused to give up.  When Madrid added a second goal in the 73^rd minute, some teams would give in, but it was clear Valencia had heard their coach, Unai Emery, this week when he said “whoever isn’t convinced that we can win should stay away…”  They stepped up their efforts, drawing Iker Casillas off his line and scoring on the 75^th minute.  The game was back on.

When Ronaldo scored the third goal in the 80^th minute, whoever thought this game meant nothing would easily be convinced otherwise.  Ronaldo fell to the ground in relief, but it was the sight of Jose Callejon carrying Jose Mourinho on his back that said it all - that’s not a celebration for a meaningless goal.  Yet still Valencia refused to give in and would again pull within a goal in the 83^rd minute.  The final minutes would prove Valencia was for real.  They held possession, fought for every ball, fought harder when they gave up the ball and showered Madrid’s goal, including a goal that was waived off and a call for hand ball that was refused by the referee (and the replays were unclear).

This was definitely a game to note for both squads.  Real Madrid held on to win the game and hold their three point lead in La Liga over Barcelona.  Unfortunately for Valencia, the three dropped points meant they dropped to four points below Barcelona, but proved they aren’t going anywhere.  With Levante losing to Atletico Madrid, Valencia remains in control of 3^rd place.  If they can bounce back and play as they did this weekend, they may be right there with the supposed “only two” teams in La Liga come May.  In the meantime, Ronaldo’s statement proved correct:  Madrid is an entertaining team to watch, but this week that was thanks to a feisty Valencia side…and El Clasico is coming…

A.J. Nelson can be found on Twitter @FootieObsessed.  Happy Thanksgiving!