A trip to the Balearics awaits Valencia CF this Sunday at 12pm CET, and the squad returned to training on Monday after two days off to prepare for the game. The match against RCD Mallorca marks the start of the second half of the LaLiga season, and also a first visit to Son Moix in seven years.

Thanks to a win against SD Eibar at Mestalla before their Supercopa sojourn, Albert Celades' side moved into the European spots for the first time this season. They have also cut the gap to the Champions League places to just four points, and look to close the distance yet further with a win this weekend.

Although they lost to Real Madrid in the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia, the precedents are positive for the team: They have yet to lose two games in a row this season. Wins over Mallorca (following a loss to Celta Vigo), Chelsea (after defeat to FC Barcelona) and Alavés (days after losing to Ajax), and draws against Sevilla (off a loss to Osasuna) and Chelsea (immediately after falling to Betis) have shown that the players are more than capable of a response.