James Rodriguez Caught For Overspeeding, Benitez Backs Him

Benitez has backed Columbian international James Rodriguez after the Colombian was accused of speeding at up to 200 kilometres an hour. James was seen overtaking a car with his Audi R8 at high speed, he was running late for a training session on Friday, he was cautioned at the club and may be prosecuted for the high-speed pursuit under road safety laws.

But his Coach Benitez has come to back him saying "James is a good kid, he is serious, he has given us his explanations about what happened and there is no more to say," Benitez said on Saturday.

"I repeat: he is a serious kid and what we have to do is wait and see."

Benitez and Rodriguez haven't had the best relationship since the Spaniard took charge of Madrid six months ago with Rodriguez often showing his frustration at being substituted or even left out of the starting line-up.

Benitez hinted Rodriguez will be involved when Madrid travels to Valencia in a crucial La Liga clash on Sunday.

Benitez will face a familiar foe in Valencia coach Gary Neville, who captained Manchester United during Benitez's time at Liverpool.

Neville who has now been in charge of Valencia for four games now.

Valencia lost Neville's first game in charge last month, exiting the Champions League at the group stage following a 2-0 defeat by Lyon.

They have since drawn two La Liga games against Eiber and Getafe, as well as beating Barakaldo by two goals to nil in the Copa del Rey, but recently they were defeated by rivals Villarreal on new year's eve.

Neville now has a chance to start 2016 on a good note as they host former Valencia manager Rafael Benitez and his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The match is set to kick off at the 55,000 Estadio  de Mestalla by 8:30pm.