Leader Madrid faces toughest test yet at Valencia

Real Madrid returns after the international break looking for an eighth straight league victory, although the trip to Valencia on Saturday could be the toughest test yet for Jose Mourinho’s team.

Madrid leads defending champion Barcelona by three points, its largest advantage over its fierce rival since Pep Guardiola took over as Barcelona coach.

Valencia has won three straight games to sit four points off Madrid, which expects to have Kaka, Marcelo and Nuri Sahin available following injuries.

Barcelona plays Zaragoza on Saturday with Lionel Messi returning from mixed performances for Argentina.

Also, Athletic Bilbao follows its 2-2 draw against Barcelona with a difficult game at Sevilla.