For all of Real Madrid's failings in La Liga this season, Valencia are proving the truly surprise package of the league.
From going through managers at an almost quarterly rate, Marcelino has guided the club to 2nd place after 12 games; 4 points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Currently on a club record eight game winning streak, Valencia's 2-0 win against Espanyol at the weekend set up an intriguing top of the table clash against Barcelona next weekend.
One many who will not be in his usual position on the touchline is Marcelino. Having been sent off during the club's tie with Espanyol, Marcelino will be forced to watch at a distance.
The nature of his sending off however has captured much attention in Spain.
With the accompaniment of some very interesting footage - and English subtitles thankfully - the fairly innocuous offence Marcelino is seen to commit is compounded by what he did thereafter.
After initially embracing his 'friend' in the opposing dugout, the former Watford manager Quique Sánchez Flores, a mildly heated discussion regarding a Valencia player seeking treatment catches the attention of a diligent 4th official.
Not quite irate, uttering an exclamatory 'fuck' was deemed sufficient reason for Marcelino's dismissal. To the bemusement of all around him on the touchline, the Spaniard leaves without much issue.
Captured arriving a few moments later in the upper stands of the stadium, Marcelino can be seen holding a phone. Moments later, a Valencia coach is taking a call - there is a strict rule on not having phones in a dugout.
Carried out with a degree of subterfuge that leaves little to the imagination, it is well worth watching the full event play out.
Needless to say, shortly after that call ended, Marcelino's assistant was making some rapid changes to his team's shape. Whatever the origination of these orders, it worked; Valencia's two goals came after Marcelino's departure.
