Quite aside from local pride, Valencia striker Roberto Soldado wants to win the derby against Levante to climb the standings.
After a disappointing start to life under new boss Mauricio Pellegrino Los Che have recorded two morale boosting wins within the last week over Real Zaragoza and Lille.
They go into Sunday's city derby 10th, one point ahead of 12th placed hosts Levante.
“Every game is important,” the former Getafe hitman remarked at a Press conference. “The derby means a lot to our fans, but the three points are also important so that we can move up the standings.
“All derbies are nice to play and it's important that the team follows the same dynamics. It will be an intense and difficult game but we hope to move forward.”
Soldado gave a harsh critique of his own form – “not very good” – but welcomed the call-up to the Spain squad he received earlier today.
“I am very happy. It feels like the first time I was called up, because I know how difficult it is to get into the team.”
The Valencia derby kicks off at 12.00 local time on Sunday at the Estadio Ciutat de Valencia.
