Valencia coach Jose Bordalas recognises the importance of Monday night's clash with Rayo Vallecano.

Valencia meet Rayo amid preparations for the Copa del Rey final.

Bordalas said: "Yes, of course. We all know the importance of that match. It is a final against a great team in Betis. A cup final is always special. Obviously the date is approaching and it is inevitable to look at it out of the corner of your eye. However, we are focused on LaLiga and we have a very important game against Rayo. They had a great first half of the season and in the second they are struggling a little more. We face the match with the utmost interest in scoring points. We have the possibility of moving closer to Villarreal and Athletic.

"What is clear is that we are not going to take unnecessary risks. The final is tremendously important and if we have a problem or a risk of injury, then those players will not participate. It would be reckless to take a risk with such little time before a final and play someone who could get injured. We have many games in a row coming up, and we will see what it holds for us. Tomorrow we will see if we can fight to be among the best."

On owner Peter Lim making the final, Bordalas added: "I don't know if he will come to the final. I have no idea. I don't know. It is a very important moment and we are not thinking about the future, but rather about the present. We have a very important final and a very important final stretch for the interests of the team. Our fans have regained hope and we have a great responsibility."