Valencia winger Nani has said his side will take on La Liga leaders Real Madrid in a positive frame of mind on Wednesday but told Onda Cera they "cannot dream of anything but avoiding the drop."
After a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday lifted them to 15th in the table, Los Che take on Zinedine Zidane's side at the Mestalla.
The fixture was postponed in December, with Real in action in the Club World Cup.
"It's going to be a very difficult game," Superdeporte reported Nani as saying.
"Madrid is a team that is having a great season, but we want to play a great game."
He added: "We are on the right path, we are working to improve things and we are growing each day.
"We have to be realistic, and at Valencia we cannot dream of anything but avoiding the drop."
Los Che kept a clean sheet for a second straight game -- something they had previously failed to do this season.
And coach Voro Gonzalez told Cadena Ser radio: "The three points against Athletic give us a lot of confidence ahead of Wednesday's game.
"Real Madrid are very strong and it's no surprise they are leading the standings.
"We know how challenging this game is going to be but we are confident we can compete against them and are enthusiastic about going out to do our best to get points."
The match will see Nani face his Portugal captain and ex-Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
He said: "I haven't spoken to Cristiano since I called him to wish him a happy birthday [on Feb. 5]."