Real Madrid can assert their position at the top of La Liga when they travel to Real Valladolid on Saturday night.
It has not been an easy campaign for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, with two crushing defeats against Barcelona and struggles in the Champions League representing their tactical shortcomings, but the picture suddenly looks quite rosy for the champions.
Their 4-1 win over Las Palmas and Atletico Madrid’s defeat by Leganés last weekend means the Whites have a two-point lead at the top of La Liga. A 5-1 defeat of RB Salzburg midweek means we should also see Madrid in the Champions League knockout round play-offs.
They will be expected to triumph again this weekend as they face off in the basement of the division. Real Valladolid have won four times in La Liga this season, but a 2-1 defeat at Espanyol last Friday saw them drop to the bottom of the table after a surge in form.
The hosts were denied by the league leaders in the reverse fixture in August, with Endrick, who has barely been seen since, scoring his first Madrid goal in a 3-0 win -0.
here it is 90 minutes saturday guide The League shock
Head-to-head record between Real Valladolid and Real Madrid (last five games)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Real Valladolid |
Real Madrid |
|---|---|
|
Espanyol 2-1 Real Valladolid – 17/01/25 |
Real Madrid 5-1 Salzburg – 22/01/25 |
|
Real Valladolid 1-0 Real Betis – 01/11/25 |
Real Madrid 4-1 Las Palmas – 19/01/25 |
|
Ourense 3-2 Real Valladolid – 05/01/25 |
Real Madrid 5-2 Celta Vigo (AET) – 16/01/25 |
|
Girona 3-0 Real Valladolid – 20/12/24 |
Real Madrid 2-5 Barcelona – 12/01/25 |
|
Real Valladolid 1-0 Valencia – 13/12/24 |
Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca – 09/01/25 |
|
country |
TV channel/live broadcast |
|---|---|
|
united kingdom |
Premier Sports Player, LaLigaTV, Premier Sports 2 |
|
united states |
ESPN+, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes |
|
canada |
TSN+, TSN3 |
In Valladolid, a situation has developed regarding Juma Bah, 18 years old, which has attracted the attention of Manchester City. Bah has not turned up for training to force the move, and is unlikely to be involved this weekend.
The locals are also without Stanko Juric, who is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Eray Comert and Raul Moro are absent due to injury.
Expected line-up of Real Valladolid against Real Madrid (4-3-3): Huh; Pérez, Ozkacar, Sánchez, Rosa; Pérez, Ndiaye, Martin; Tuhami, Andre, Amallah.
Vinicius Junior has been involved in Madrid’s recent Supercopa, Copa del Rey and Champions League woes, but remains suspended from La Liga and will not be available this weekend.
Rodrygo, who has been excellent of late, will move to the left flank and Brahim Diaz or Arda Guler will move into Madrid’s first line.
David Alaba has been relieved by Ancelotti since returning from a long-term knee injury, and is likely to earn minutes off the bench again in Valladolid. Lucas Vazquez, who was suspended in midweek, and Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been dealing with a minor problem, should return to Madrid’s starting line-up on Saturday.
Expected lineup of Real Madrid against Valladolid (4-3-3): Courtois; Vázquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Brahim, Mbappé, Rodrygo.
Valladolid may be rock bottom in La Liga, but in recent weeks have shown they can be a tough nut to crack at home. 12 of his 15 points have been collected at José Zorrilla.
Madrid, however, have not blinked after their humble defeat in the Super Cup final. Nine goals in their previous two games suggests this superstar-laden attack has found its groove, but Vini Jr’s absence this weekend certainly reduces their firepower.
The visitors may have to suffer for a while here, but they should come away with all three points.
