Match Preview

Real Madrid are back in road action as the club prepares to face Valladolid for the second time this season.

The first time these two clubs met Real Madrid were able to pull through with a 1-0 victory at the end of September.

Real Madrid is on a three-match win streak and has won four of its last five league matches. The club currently sits in second—three points ahead of Barcelona and six points behind Atletico, but both clubs hold a match in-hand.

Valladolid have been quite dreadful this season having not win in its last six league matches. The club sits in a relegation spot, but is only a point from getting out of it and hold a match in-hand over Eibar. The club has one of the worst goal differentials in the league and has allowed well over 30 goals already.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid continues to deal with injuries as the club will only field a 12-man squad. Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola, Sergio Ramos, Eder Militão, Marcelo, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo, Eden Hazard and now Karim Benzema are all out.

Valladolid will likely be without defenders Jawad El Yamiq, Kiko and Javi Sanchez and forwards Pablo Hervias and Marcos Andre. The club will also be without left back Lucas Olaza due to suspension.

Potential XIs

Real Valladolid

Masip; Luis Perez, Joaquin, Bruno, Nacho; Mesa, Fede; Orellana, Kike Perez, Plano; Guardiola

Real Madrid

Courtois; Vazquez, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Asensio, Vinicius, Mariano

Both right backs are unavailable so Lucas Vazquez will likely slot into this position as he has many times already this season.

With Benzema missing for the first time in a while Mariano will likely take his spot up top.

Prediction

Real Valladolid—Real Madrid 0-1

It would not be surprising if the scoreline in Saturday’s match is similar to the first meeting back in September. With many injuries for both sides it’s not a shock if this isn’t a high-scoring affair.

With Real fielding only 12 players, Isco will be the only senior player potentially off the bench. This means we could see some youth players such as Sergio Arribas or even Hugo Duro.

Los Blancos want to continue their win streak against a side they should beat even with the injuries. Valladolid want the points to attempt to get out of the relegation zone this weekend.

Part of the way Valladolid have obtained over 20 points this season has been forcing draws. It would not be surprising if this match ends so given the circumstances either. But, Real should still have enough quality to obtain the three points on the road before heading to Bergamo to face Atalanta next week.