Real Madrid will be hoping to start 2015 how they finished 2014 as they go in search of a remarkable 23rd consecutive win. But there are few places in Spain that are more difficult to visit than the Mestalla, utfifas the home of an exciting and improving Valencia team.

Indeed, Los Che are currently in fourth place in the division behind the traditional top three. Nuno Santo has fashioned a squad that is dynamic, cohesive and especially tough to beat, at home in particular. Barcelona are the only side to have taken all three points away from the Mestalla this season, so Valencia will fancy their chances of catching Madrid on the hop.

It’s tough to see anyone stopping the Los Blancos machine, though. Carlo Ancelotti’s team have struck a magnificent balance in recent weeks and have scythed through opponents with insouciant ease. To win 22 games in a season is impressive enough, but to have achieved that landmark before the halfway point is staggering.

Whenever these two teams meet it’s worth a watch and the early indications from the start of the season suggest this one could be a cracker. After a festive break, expect two quality sides that are refreshed and ready to make an impression in 2015.

David Moyes faces his biggest test so far as Real Sociedad manager, http://www.utfifas.co/ when he comes up against Barcelona at the Anoeta. The Blaugrana are currently a point behind league leaders Los Blancos, but will have an exceptional chance to capitalise should the Madrid outfit slip up against Valencia earlier in the day.