Prediction: Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid

Verdict: Real Madrid win to nil

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Seeking a welcomed boost when they return from the international break on Sunday afternoon, Real Madrid will welcome Valladolid to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, heading into the international break with last-gasp heartbreak away at Barcelona on March 19th, Real Madrid are now seeking a La Liga miracle if they are to defend their domestic crown this season. Marking their return on Sunday afternoon sat chasing a 12-point deficit, there is certainly growing speculation over Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Bernabeu. Although Los Blancos might have punched their Champions League quarter-final ticket on March 15th as they cruised their way to a 6-2 aggregate romp against Premier League giants Liverpool, Madrid are seeking a much-needed boost here. While Madrid might be tipped as a landslide pick here, it should be highlighted that the Spanish icons have managed to muster just a pair of victories from any of their last four appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to February 21st.

Team News

In what could be a huge boost for Los Blancos this weekend, David Alaba is expected to make his return from a long-term hamstring injury. However, picking up a costly booking in Catalonia prior to the international break, Nacho will serve a one-match suspension here.

Although Karim Benzema might have failed to find the net in any of his last four domestic appearances, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner will spearhead Madrid’s charge on Sunday afternoon.

Real Valladolid

As for the visitors, while Valladolid might have gained plenty of praise on their maiden La Liga adventure this season, Pacheta’s side still find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. Marking their return from the international break holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, the Pucelle will be more than aware that they face a monumental challenge on Sunday afternoon. Last seen heading into the fortnight interval with a nightmare display on home soil as they slumped to a 3-1 drumming against Athletic Bilbao, the former Huesca boss has seen his downbeat squad win just one of their last six La Liga appearances – a run that stems all the way back February 5th. Suffering a 2-0 defeat when they welcomed Los Blancos to the Jose Zorrilla four months ago, Valladolid should be bracing themselves for a stern examination.

Team News

Both serving a suspension in Valladolid’s 3-1 loss against Athletic Bilbao on March 17th, Pacheta will be able to welcome back Roque Mesa and Martin Hongla this weekend.

Still dealing with a long-term issue, ex-Chelsea man Kenedy will once again miss out on Sunday afternoon. Likewise, the Pucelle are also expected to remain without the likes of Selim Amallah, Jordi Masip and Anuar when they travel to the Bernabeu here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse meeting on December 30th, Real Madrid claimed a 2-0 victory at the Jose Zorrilla.
• Likewise, Los Blancos have won each of their last four meetings against Valladolid by an aggregate score of 5-0.
• However, the reigning Spanish champions entered the international break by winning just a pair of their final six appearances across all competitions.
• Valladolid have won just one of their previous six La Liga appearances – a run that stems back to February 5th.
• Sunday’s guests have also recorded just a single La Liga victory on their travels since way back on October 1st.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might have been last seen suffering late heartbreak away at the Nou Camp, Los Blancos should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Knowing that they need a minor miracle if they are to defend their La Liga crown this season, Ancelotti’s side will simply be looking to avoid a major banana skin on Sunday afternoon. With Valladolid marking their return to action holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, the Pucelle should also be worried by their nightmare record against the Spanish heavyweights. With Madrid claiming a routine 2-0 win when they traveled to the Jose Zorrilla on December 30th, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Real Madrid win to nil

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: Unibet