La Liga
Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid Preview
Real Madrid welcome Real Vallodolid to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday at 11:15 am EDT. New interim manager Santiago Solari has the task of ending the club’s win-less run of five games in La Liga. The Spanish giants currently sit ninth in the table, seven points behind leaders Barcelona.
Valladolid, now under the ownership of Madrid legend Ronaldo, sit above their hosts in sixth. Although only in their first season back in La Liga, manager Sergio Gonzalez has achieved positive results. Moreover, the visitors are on a seven game unbeaten streak in all competitions.
Team News
Los Blancos are without Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Jesus Vallejo, Marcelo and Mariano Diaz for this clash. As a result, Solari will most likely rely on Alvaro Odriozola and Sergio Reguilon at his fullback positions. On the other hand, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Isco and Gareth Bale are all expected to feature after being rested mid-week in the Copa del Rey. Striker Karim Benzema should continue to start up front for the whites.
Similarly, the visitors are still without Keko and Duje Cop due to injury. Coach Gonzalez also has players returning to his starting eleven after sitting out of the club’s Copa del Rey victory on Wednesday. Goalkeeper Jordi Masip and strikers Enes Unal and Leonardo Suarez will return to the lineup hoping to end Valladolid’s poor scoring record in the Spanish capital.
Lineups and Prediction
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Nacho, Ramos, Reguilon; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Bale
Real Valladolid: Masip; Martinez, Calero, Olivas, Moyano; Villa, Alcarez, Herrero, Regal; L Suarez, Unal
Despite the apparent difference in quality between the two opponents, there is no telling which team is more likely to grab a victory on Saturday. Unless Madrid’s attackers discover their form, the hosts could continue to descend in the table.
In fact, Valladolid are the worst type of opponent a team struggling to score can face at the moment. The Castilian-Leonese club sit high in La Liga standings due to their defense, which is second only to Atletico de Madrid. Furthermore, Sergio’s men are undefeated on the road having conceded only three times.
The good news for Real Madrid is that a lot of goals are not needed. Indeed, one may be enough. Their opponents have also scored the fewest goals so far in La Liga. The hosts can sit back and defend their lead if Benzema-or preferably-Bale manage to get a goal.
Incredibly, the Welshman has not scored since September 19th.
Ultimately, one feels like Real’s coaching change is enough to avoid another loss. Solari’s 4-0 debut victory on Tuesday and use of Vinicius Jr. was positive, albeit against Segunda B opposition. The change in coach should produce a change in direction and avoid further misery.
Real Madrid 2 – 0 Real Valladolid
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
