Can the bottom-placed team pull off an upset?
When it comes to Valladolid vs. Real Madrid, the bookmakers’ predictions speak for themselves. The league leaders are, of course, the clear favorites against the bottom-placed team and anything other than a clear victory for the white ballet would be a big surprise. The first leg at the end of August ended with a clear 3-0 triumph for the Royal Family. However, the game was not as clear as the result might suggest. Even then, Carlo Ancelotti’s team found it difficult against the “Pucelanos” who were playing deep, and only managed to win the game with two goals in the final stages.
It is therefore entirely possible that the underdog, with the support of their own fans, will once again be able to put in a great defensive performance. They will need to do so, as the relegation battle is slowly getting tighter for the promoted team. Diego Cocca’s team, who took over from Pezzolano in mid-December, were the only one of the last four teams not to win last time out, slipping to 20th place as a result. They are now five points from safety.
“Los Pucelanos” are therefore dependent on points and why shouldn’t they manage a surprise victory against the “Royal Ones”? If Carlo Ancelotti’s team make the mistake of underestimating the bottom team and they put in a good performance, buoyed by their own fans, it could be worth betting on the bottom team to get a point against Real Madrid in Valladolid.
Real Valladolid – Statistics & current form
It has not been an easy season for the bottom team so far. The “Pucelanos”, who were only promoted from the second division last season, have only managed to get 15 points from their first 20 games. The majority of these points were conquered against teams from the lower half of the table. However, the promoted team has also scored against the two Basque top teams Real Sociedad and Athletic Club.
New coach, new luck?
Paulo Pezzolano, who led the team to promotion last season, was forced out before Christmas after a poor autumn, making way for a new coach. The club’s leaders believe they have identified Diego Cocca as the man for the job. The 52-year-old has no experience in Europe, but has already had a number of stints in South America. He won the league in 2014 with Racing Club, one of Argentina’s biggest clubs. Most recently, he was hired by the Mexican national team for a four-month stint, during which he averaged 1.7 points.
Of the first four games under Cocca, the “Pucelanos”, who were threatened with relegation, managed to win one. The 1-0 win against Real Betis on the penultimate matchday meant a short-term jump to 19th place. After last weekend, however, and the 2-1 defeat in the clash with Espanyol, a direct rival in the relegation battle, the team is back to the bottom of the league. However, second to last is only one point away. So if, against all the odds, Valladolid manage to get a point against Real Madrid, Cocca’s team could at least catch up in terms of points.
A bitter end in the first duel
The “Los Pucelanos” have already proven that they can keep up with the royals in the first duel at the Bernabeu. With a great fighting performance, the promoted team managed to stay in striking distance for a long time. It was only after goals from Diaz and Endrick in the 88th and 96th minutes respectively that the white ballet won clearly 3-0 in the end. With a similarly committed defensive performance, it could work out to keep the game open for a long time in front of their home crowd. Since a bet on “1/X” involves a lot of risk, another option is available.
A handicap bet offers the certainty that the tip will work even in the event of a narrow away win for the league leaders. Since Cocca’s team are the clear outsiders, the odds are high enough for this possibility to be taken in the match between Valladolid and Real Madrid.
Real Madrid – Statistics & current form
The shock of the 5-2 defeat in the Supercopa final against FC Barcelona should have been quickly overcome by the royals. With a convincing performance, Carlo Ancelotti’s team beat Las Palmas 4-1 after an early goal. However, the biggest highlight was not one of the goals, but the return of Madrid’s defensive leader.
End of a long period of suffering
After a break of more than a year due to a cruciate ligament rupture, David Alaba made his first appearance for his club in 78 minutes. The Austrian was greeted with standing ovations by the fans in the Bernabeu and seamlessly integrated into the team. As if he had never been away, he directed the defense of the most successful club in the world and hit fantastic long balls. However, it will not be enough for a starting role in the game Valladolid vs. Real Madrid, where the betting odds clearly favor the white ballet. Rather, a further short-term use is to be expected at the end of the game.
Absent superstar
Due to his red card in the game against Valencia, Vini Jr. will still be missing against the “Pucelanos”. The superstar, who has an average of almost one goal per appearance, will of course be missed in the league leaders’ offense. With Kylian Mbappe and Co., the Whites are still in a strong position, but it is conceivable that the white ballet will face difficulties against a deep-lying opponent.
Real Valladolid – Real Madrid direct comparison / H2H record
In direct comparison, the Whites are clearly ahead. Of 100 duels, 65 went to the record champions. ‘Los Pucelanos’ have triumphed only 20 times. It is even clearer when you look at the recent past. The white ballet won 11 of the last 13 games, with two draws.
Real Valladolid – Real Madrid betting tip
The odds for the match between Valladolid and Real Madrid predict a one-sided duel. It is safe to say that Carlo Ancelotti’s team will dictate the game and have a clear visual advantage. However, with a concentrated defensive performance, the bottom-placed team could succeed in keeping the game open for a long time.
If they manage to do that, a point or at least a narrow defeat is entirely possible. Those who want to take fewer risks can consider betting on under 3.5 goals, because without their superstar, it could be difficult for the royals to score.
