Valencia v Rayo preview

Valencia coach Unai Emery wants to see his side kick on when they face Rayo Vallecano.

Valencia coach Unai Emery wants to see his side kicking on for the rest of the season after the confidence-boosting 0-0 draw they secured at Primera Division leaders Real Madrid on Sunday. Los Che went into the game in indifferent league form, having not won in their previous three La Liga fixtures and taken maximum points on only three occasions since the turn of the year. They are currently fourth in the table, a point clear of fifth-placed Levante, and with seven matches to go - the next being tomorrow night's home clash with Rayo Vallecano - Emery feels his team must capitalise on the lift they will have received from the result at the Santiago Bernabeu as they look to seal a Champions League berth. "This point gives us a boost of self-esteem," said Emery, quoted in Marca. "There is little time and a lot at stake. There are positive things and we must continue to mature. We need to improve efficiency." Rayo, who lie 12th, are also feeling better for their result last weekend, having ended a run of three straight defeats with a thumping 6-0 triumph over Osasuna on Saturday. That took the Madrid club to the 40-point mark, all but guaranteeing their survival, but on-loan Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa feels there should be no let-up from the team. "We needed a game like that after recent defeats," Costa told rayovallecano.es. "The team was angry because things were not going well. We are very happy for the win. "We have taken an important step toward survival, but it is a no-brainer that we must keep winning." Rayo manager Jose Ramon Sandoval echoed Costa's comments. "The goal is not achieved even with the 40 points we have and I will not allow relaxation," Sandoval told Marca. "This game requires a team to defend the club crest with nobility and courage and that's what I want." Best bet: