Real Madrid: 5 players who must shine against Real Valladolid on Matchday 24
CB Nacho Fernandez
The left center back with Sergio Ramos injured for a few more weeks, Nacho Fernandez has stepped up in a big way next to Raphael Varane. He played a huge role in the clean sheet victories over Getafe and Valencia, making some decisive interventions over the weekend vs. Bats in a perfect defensive performance for the Royal Whites.
Nacho has been a big reason why Real have looked the best they have in years without Ramos in the lineup, and he and Varane have a great understanding with each other. Valladolid don’t have a fearsome attack by any means, but Sergi Guardiola can be dangerous.
CF Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema scored a delightful goal against Valencia, curling the ball around a defender and using both power and precision to find the bottom right corner. The French striker has been money again this season with 12 goals and five assists, making him the only player in La Liga with at least 10 goals and five assists.
Next. Real Madrid Predicted XI against Real Valladolid. dark
Real Valladolid are not an easy defense to crack, and they will play ultra-defensive football against Los Blancos at the Jose Zorrilla. Benzema has scored in back-to-back matches and has at least five shots in each of the club’s past three La Liga fixtures. Expect to see him on the scoresheet again as Real Madrid look to pick up some more momentum before Wednesday’s Champions League fixture at Atalanta.