Fresh from losing the Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou, right before the international break, Real Madrid will look to bounce back to winning form when they host Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday from 14:15 GMT.
With the gap to league leaders Barcelona standing at a massive 12 points, Los Blancos will focus on reducing it in the run-in, starting with the home clash against Valladolid.
Valladolid, who are sixteenth on the table and just two points removed from the relegation zone, will be looking for a shock result at the home of the reigning champions on Sunday.
Key Highlights
Real Madrid’s Inconsistent Form
The reigning La Liga and European champions have been lackluster in defending their title. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been inconsistent in their results, which has allowed Barcelona to pull 12 points away in the title race.
Real Madrid’s form this season is exacerbated by the fact that Los Blancos have lost both Clasico fixtures this season.
This poor domestic form is inconsistent with Real Madrid’s imperious form they have shown in the Champions League, where they have qualified for the Quarter-finals against Chelsea.
Ancelotti and his charges will be looking for a reaction to the Classico reverse when they host Real Valladolid on Sunday, as they bid to bounce back to winning form immediately and ensure that they can capitalize on any Barcelona slip-ups in the run-in.
Real Valladolid’s Fight for Survival in La Liga
Valladolid have won just once in their last five outings in La Liga. They have lost three and drawn once to complete this run.
The 4 points they have collected out of the available 15 highlight their challenges and explain why they are close to the bottom of the table.
Juan José Rojo Martín and his men are locked in a relegation battle with eight other teams in the bottom half of La Liga.
Valladolid are currently sixteenth on the table with 28 points. However, they are just a point behind 13th-placed Getafe and two points ahead of 18th-placed Valencia in the drop zone.
A loss against Real Madrid might see Valladolid slip into the drop zone depending on other results in La Liga. This underscores the significance of getting a result at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
Injury Report
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti only has one injury worry ahead of the clash against Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu.
Left-back Ferland Mendy is sidelined with a muscle injury. The 27-year-old Frenchman has been on the sidelines since January 31, 2023.
The fullback has missed thirteen matches for Real Madrid in this duration. The club’s medical department has not set a return date for the Frenchman yet, which means he is unlikely to participate in the clash against Valladolid.
Real Valladolid
Juan José Rojo Martín will be without three players from his squad.
Long-term absentee, central midfielder Anuar, will still be unavailable for selection during the Bernabeu trip. The 28-year-old has been sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury since September 22, 2022.
Goalkeeper Jordi Masip (shoulder injury) and right winger Gonzalo Plata (hamstring) are also doubts for the match against Real Madrid.
Possible Lineups
Real Madrid
T. Courtois; Nacho, A. Rudiger, E. Militao, D. Carvajal; T. Kroos, E. Camavinga; V. Junior, L. Modric, F. Valverde; K. Benzema
Real Valladolid
S. Asenjo; I. Fresneda, J. Sanchez, J. Yamiq, S. Escudero; Nomchu, K. Perez; G. Plata, I. Sanchez, O. Plano; C. Larin
Prediction
Real Madrid are the favorites to win this match and bounce back to winning form as they look to cut the massive gap to the league leaders Barcelona in the La Liga run-in.
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