La Liga
Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid Preview
Real Valladolid will look to avoid a sixth straight match without victory when they welcome bruised and battered Real Madrid to the Estadio José Zorrilla.
Currently, the White and Violets are three points from the relegation zone and have only scored one goal since their 2-1 win against Celta Vigo back in January.
Nevertheless, the side managed by Sergio Gonzalez will look to make a statement against the visiting Spanish giants. And will feel confident of doing so.
At the moment Los Blancos are wrapping up what is arguably the worst week in the club’s history.
After back to back losses in the Copa del Rey and league to bitter rivals Barcelona, the whites were shockingly eliminated by Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Despite a superior squad, the team managed by Santiago Solari may be too low on morale to pick up an away victory. Valladolid are as desperate as their guests for a victory and will show it on the pitch.
Team News
Valladolid will be missing two players due to injury. Namely, defensive midfielder Luismi and winger Toni Villa. Attacking midfielder Keko may replace Plano in the starting eleven but the Malaga loanee is more likely to start on the bench.
On the other side, Santiago Solari is without a handful of players for Sunday’s clash. Vinicius Jr, Lucas Vasquez and Dani Carvajal being the latest injuries for the team. Meanwhile, team captain Sergio Ramos will serve a one match suspension.
As a result, Nacho, Marco Asensio, Gareth Bale and Alvaro Odriozola should all receive starting spots.
Lineups and Prediction
Real Valladolid: Masip; Olivas, B. Fernandez, J. Fernandez; Antonito, Mohamed, Alcaraz, Nacho; Plano; Unal, Guardiola
Real Madrid: Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Nacho, Reguilon; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Asensio
Although Valladolid will see this is a great opportunity to defeat Madrid for the first time since the 08-09 season, it’s difficult to predict Gonzalez’ team impressing in attack.
Rafael Varane and Nacho will be eager to make amends for the four goals conceded to Ajax mid-week. Furthermore, the defensive pair will fancy themselves against the lowest scoring team in the league.
At the same time, it’s equally difficult to predict Solari’s team burying any number of goals either. Valladolid are ironically one of the lowest conceding teams in Spain as well.
Real’s lack of effectiveness in attack will need to somehow fix itself if they are to achieve a convincing victory on the road. A narrow and unconvincing victory seems to be a far more likely outcome.
Real Valladolid 0 – 1 Real Madrid
Photo credit to Real Madrid via Flickr
