“A special game” – Sadiq Umar sends strong message to Real Madrid ahead of tonight’s league clash

Super Eagles and Valencia striker Umar Sadiq has sent a strong note of warning to Alvaro Arbeloa's Real Madrid ahead of their La Liga clash tonight, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old is in his second spell under Carlos Corberan, joining permanently from Real Sociedad in the January transfer window.

The former Rangers man has scored two goals in six outings since his return, but the next clash against Real Madrid has emerged as a massive morale boost for himself and his teammates.

Sadiq Umar sends a strong message to Real Madrid

Valencia are currently 17th on the La Liga table, following their loss to Athletic Bilbao last time out. Still, Sadiq believes a game against the Record Spanish Champions is the best opportunity for his side to bounce back.

“Football is about going up and waking up again. We got knocked, but now it's a perfect time for us to come back. It's a good game like this against big rivals,” the Super Eagles forward said in an interview with Sporty TV.

“It gives you more motivation to go and clear your mistakes, and I hope we're going to have a good game. We're prepared and ready, we can't wait.

“Playing against Real Madrid is always a special, difficult game because they're a big team. There's no right moment to play against them.

“The right moment is when you get onto the pitch and do what you're meant to do against them. That's the most important. We're looking forward to it.

“We don't look at their squad, we look at ourselves first. All the players there are great, but we'll go out there and give our best,” the former UD Almeria striker concluded.

Carlos Corberan's men have some good news as Real Madrid will be without Vinicius Junior (suspension), Eder Militao (tendon injury), Jude Bellingham (hamstring injury), and Rodrygo Goes (hamstring injury).