Real Madrid 2-0 Real Valladolid
These past few months have got to be one of the worst times for a Real Madrid fan. The short, cruel rollercoaster that was Julen Lopetegui’s Real Madrid reign has left them with four La Liga losses and five spots off the top spot in the table. There was just as high of a tension when Santiago Solari took over from Real Madrid B.
For much of their game against Real Valladolid, it seemed like Los Blancos were once again without their usual attacking edge saw the fans extremely frustrated with the players. However, a bit of luck helped the disgruntled giants a flattering victory against their recently promoted opponents.
Highlights of the game
The only thing the Madrid fans wanted out of this game was a win. Despite their poor run of form, they are still Real Madrid. They are still the European champions despite the 5-1 hiding they suffered during Lopetegui’s last game in charge. Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid predictions still had them beating their guests by a comfortable margin.
Should they have lost that game, there weren’t any doubts about the entire Santiago Bernabeu turning on them. The Starting XI knew this and did everything they can to secure the W. Solari, who was eager to start his career as the manager of the Real Madrid first team, was also eager to impress.
It didn’t take long for the struggling Galacticos to mount their first attack. Karim Benzema met a well-placed cross in the fourth minute, found some space in a sea of Valladolid defenders, and made his shot. However, his effort was in inaccurate one that drifted wide of the right post.
Valladolid then started their own attacks on the Real Madrid defence. Fernando Callero, Ruben Alcaraz and Leonardo Suarez all had their attempts to keep the Madrid backline on their toes and answer to the attacks of their superior opponents. However, Solari’s defenders did as they’re told and managed to hold them off.
As the first half wore on, the discomfort and frustration among the bleachers grew. It took a jump when Antonito made a beautiful run through the Madrid defence in the 34th minute. The 30-year-old winger fired a shot towards goal, but the ball didn’t challenge Thibaut Courtois at all.
Gareth Bale tried to force a goal with his header two minutes later, but the ball drifted wide. The first half ended with Madrid failing to score against their opponents, and the Bernabeu didn’t let off in letting the players know how they felt.
The jeering and whistling seemed to have woken the team up as they stepped up their attacks in the second half. Bale and Luka Modric sent long balls into Vallodolid’s dangerous areas, but the defence managed to swat the attacks.
Karim Benzema and Casemiro also had chances to score, but both somehow missed their opportunities. Benzema’s attempt in the 55th minute was especially frustrating, as his header was way over the bar.
From that point on, Valladolid’s players started producing quality plays one after another. Toni was especially dangerous as his long shots were kept off the goal by Courtois’ outstretched hands and his goal’s crossbar.
When it seemed like the game would end in another frustrating draw, Vinicius Junior managed to secure the first goal on 83 minutes. The young Brazilian winger made a cutting run inside and forced his way with a seemingly reckless shot. However, the ball bounced off Kiko’s back and bulleted straight to the goal. There was nothing the superb Jordi Masip could do about that goal.
Five minutes later, Fernando Calero made a rough sliding tackle that made referee Jesus Manzano point to the spot. Captain Sergio Ramos took the kick, waited for Masip to commit before slotting the ball to the middle.
It was an undeserved defeat for Valladolid: they played good football and frustrated their hosts with their defensive solidity. However, football is a game of results at the end of the day. Madrid managed to bring home the three points, and they can now focus on getting back on track.
Key statistics
Real Madrid can finally sigh in relief: they have broken an incredible five-game winless streak that saw them drop off the league table. The longest winless streak Los Blancos had in the Spanish top flight was during the 1984/85 season where they didn’t win for nine straight league games.
Real Madrid actually played well against their opponents. They managed to produce 16 shot attempts with 58% ball possession, and six of those were headed to the net. Masip was just incredible for the Pucela with his four saves.
It was easy to tell that the team was just as frustrated as the fans when you look at their fouls: their 14 fouls were double of what Valladolid committed.
What’s next?
Of course, fans will be looking at who will take the mantle of Real Madrid manager. Some might suggest for Solari to take over, but there have been loud rumours about the La Liga giants making a move for Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.
Champions League is the most immediate concern for Madrid as they play Viktoria Plzen away from home. The SBOBET La Liga 2018 will be buzzing once more for Real Madrid when they return to play Celta de Vigo at the Abanca-Balaidos. They better prove to everyone that their victory was no mere fluke.
Meanwhile, Real Valladolid will be trying to avenge their poor run by trying to beat relegation-threatened Eibar at the Jose Zorrilla. They will then face Sevilla after the international break.
Watch this space to keep yourself updated with the latest La Liga 2018 updates.
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