Sadiq Ready To Challenge Real As Los Che Storms Bernabéu

Umar Sadiq faces the ultimate acid test of his Valencia renaissance when he leads Los Che’s attack at the Santiago Bernabéu against title-chasing Real Madrid on Saturday afternoon, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigeria international, who has enjoyed a remarkable transformation since joining Valencia in January, will look to continue his rich vein of form when facing the Spanish giants in their fortress where Valencia have not tasted victory since March 2008.

“(I’m) living a dream,” Sadiq wrote on social media recently, reflecting his newfound confidence after netting five goals since his arrival, including four in LaLiga. His performances have already earned him his first-ever LaLiga Goal of the Month award for March, thanks to a sensational backheel strike against Osasuna.

The lanky Super Eagles striker has been instrumental in Valencia’s recent upturn in fortunes, with Los Che unbeaten in their last four matches, collecting eight points that have helped them move four points clear of the relegation zone.

Despite Hugo Duro’s return from injury, Sadiq started against Mallorca in their last outing, earning a standing ovation from the Mestalla faithful as Carlos Corberan’s side secured a vital 1-0 victory.

The Valencia coach has been vocal in his praise for the Nigerian, saying, “I think that Sadiq exemplifies what the game was like. A game with mistakes at times. And with the mentality to recover from those situations that he had. A game of not losing faith, of assistance, until achieving the objective.”

For Real Madrid, the fixture represents another crucial test in their pursuit of Barcelona, who sit three points clear at the La Liga summit. Carlo Ancelotti’s men are coming off a breathtaking 4-4 Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg draw against Real Sociedad, which saw them progress to the final on a 5-4 aggregate where they will face their eternal rivals in an El Clasico.

The reigning Spanish champions will be targeting their fourth consecutive league victory, having edged Leganes 3-2 last time out. They will be aiming to complete a league double over Valencia following their 2-1 triumph at Mestalla earlier this season before Sadiq’s move.

While Valencia have the eighth-best home record in LaLiga this season with 24 points from 15 matches, their away form has been woeful. They are yet to win on their travels, gathering just seven points from 14 games.

The six-time Spanish champions, who have not been relegated since 1986, will be hoping Sadiq’s recent scoring prowess which included three straight goals before the international break can help secure a shock result.

For Sadiq, delivering against Real Madrid would further cement his status as Valencia’s new talisman and potentially secure his long-term future at the club that has helped resurrect his career.