Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid Preview: Los Blancos return

With the mid-season World Cup break over, Real Madrid return to action in La Liga tonight. They visit Real Valladolid’s Estadio Jose Zorilla as the league’s 2nd and 13th placed teams match up against one another in gameweek 15. One of the sport’s greatest icons – Pele – passed away last night. All La Liga games across Spain have since observed a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off, and tonight’s fixture will be no exception.

Real Madrid lost top spot to FC Barcelona just two weeks prior to the World Cup, when they dropped points against Rayo Vallecano and Girona. Their rivals on the other hand, are on a streak of six consecutive victories since tasting defeat in El Clasico.

Fortunately for Los Blancos, none of their players came back from the World Cup injured or on extended leave. Although those that did make it deep with their national teams are likely to be introduced gradually. One should hope for Real Madrid to win today and at Villarreal next week, as they look to clinch back top spot on the La Liga table, with their Copa del Rey and Super Cup games on either side of these two league matches.

Pacheta’s Real Valladolid went into the World Cup break on the end of some shaky form, but played a number of friendlies – both domestic and international – across the winter break. Blanquivioletas have so far struggled badly in front of goal, putting up some of the lowest numbers in the league. They do tend to defend well on their day but give off the impression of a project that is still far from complete.

Real Valladolid vs Real Madrid Preview

Real Madrid Expected XI: Courtois; Mendy, Alaba, Militao, Carvajal; Kroos, Ceballos, Valverde; Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Benzema

Real Madrid’s approach tonight will likely be one of stepping foot with the intention of sealing the deal as early as possible, and to get as many rotation players involved as they can.

Carlo Ancelotti has in recent press conferences discussed the possibility of Eden Hazard being involved more often in the second half of the season, even praising the Belgian’s condition after the World Cup. Dani Ceballos is expected to start given Luka Modric and Aurelien Tchouameni’s recent return to training, even though both are in the squad. Marco Asensio is likely to remain on the bench as both Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior have trained well in the sessions leading up to this game.

Ancelotti’s preferred back four remains intact. And Karim Benzema should lead the line with the armband after what’s been a topsy-turvy few weeks for the Frenchman.

Real Valladolid Expected XI: Masip; Rosa, Fernandez, Sanchez, Escudero; Monchu, Mesa, Aguado; Plata, Leon, Plano

Valladolid are unlikely to maintain one particular shape as the game goes on. They like to play in a 4-1-4-1 or a 4-2-3-1 with Roque Mesa and Monchu sitting deeper than 26-year-old Alvaro Aguado. Sergio Leon up top likes to run into spaces behind opposition defences and is decent in the air but their best attacking outlet is Oscar Plano. Expect the hosts to counter Real Madrid’s calmness on the ball with hostility, looking to force them to play at a greater pace and in return create bigger gaps in behind Los Blancos’ defence.

Prediction: Real Valladolid 0-2 Real Madrid 

It shouldn’t take much more than a tidy, clinical display to assure victory for the visitors although in this league, the wildest of games can make one feel like nothing is guaranteed. So, Real Madrid must take nothing for granted.