Real Madrid will face Valencia at Mestalla, with Fede Valverde set to line up at right-back.
Valverde's contribution in Athens
Valverde played less than 30 minutes in Athens after coming on as a substitute, created three chances and scored from around 25 metres. According to AS, Valverde's goal was Real Madrid's third and sealed a seventh consecutive win.
His right-back performance
In his first start at right-back against Sevilla, Valverde made six ball recoveries, won five duels, made three interceptions and two clearances, and had one shot blocked by a defender. Mourinho had previously insisted that Valverde would never play at full-back under him.
Mourinho's assessment
José Mourinho said during the press conference at Real Madrid's city: "He is an excellent professional, a friend to his team-mates, and although he is not a voice heard every second, he is always present as a role model for everyone"
Valverde on his role and captaincy
Valverde previously denied any row with his coach at the time, Xabi Alonso, over being played at full-back, saying: "I was not born to play at full-back"
Valverde, the team's captain, summed up the message like this: "When we all work together and move in the same direction, we become stronger. And as the team's captain, I took the step everyone was waiting for from me, and I provide a role model for my team-mates"
