Jose Mourinho

Spain’s capital club have banged in 16 goals in La Liga either side of the recent international break – going back to the 6-1 drubbing of strugglers Deportivo La Coruna – and head to Alicante determined to stay ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the table (10/11 Real Madrid – La Liga Outright).

However, Mourinho has called for a reality check from Real followers and has warned his players they must not expect a cakewalk against the La Liga newcomers.

He said in his Friday press conference: “We are in good shape. We are playing well and working hard. We are not children. There will be close calls because we cannot always win 6-1.

“We must stay on track and score goals, but this is a difficult championship and every match is different.”

Hercules caused a seismic shock when they beat champions Barcelona 2-0 at the Nou Camp on September 11 and the Portuguese coach know there can be no excuses, adding: “There is a long way to go. We have only played eight games.”

Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Marcelo and Ricardo Carvalho – who all missed the surprise goalless draw against Real Murcia in the Copa del Rey in midweek – will all return for Saturday’s trip.

Mourinho knows there can be no mistakes against Hercules, who also held Villarreal to a 2-2 draw at home recently, and has demanded his players pick up where they left off in La Liga (5/6 Real Madrid-Real Madrid – Half-time/Full-time).

He added: “I will make some changes against Hercules. It is an important match; even more so than a Champions League game because we cannot lose points. We want to win and remain on top of the table.

“The players I called up are those who are in the best form, and those who start will either be the same or very close to previous line-ups.

“I hope my players help bring home the three points so that we are still first come Sunday.”

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