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Ancelotti oversees a Real Madrid training session ahead of the match against Valladolid. J.P. Gandul / EFE
Real Madrid Faces First Title Defence

Real Madrid Faces First Title Defence

The Whites aim to extend their winning streak at the bottom-ranked Valladolid's home ground.

José Manuel Andrés

Madrid

Viernes, 24 de enero 2025, 15:45

Real Madrid faces a seemingly one-sided clash at José Zorrilla, with two teams at opposite ends of the table. On one side, the bottom-ranked Valladolid; on the other, the league leaders Real Madrid, who secured their top spot with a decisive victory over Las Palmas and Atlético's slip-up at Leganés, marking their comeback after a shaky start to the season.

The Whites have used their last three home games at the Bernabéu to heal the wounds inflicted by Barcelona's thrashing in the Spanish Super Cup. After such a blow, the second against the Catalans following a 0-4 league defeat at Chamartín, Madrid bounced back with victories over Celta in the Copa del Rey, albeit in extra time after a controversial match; Las Palmas to seize the league's top spot; and finally against Salzburg in the Champions League, securing a playoff spot and keeping alive the slim chance of direct qualification to the last 16.

In total, 14 goals scored in three matches, a clear display of Ancelotti's offensive prowess, but no clean sheets, raising doubts about their defensive capabilities against relatively easy opponents.

Regardless of the nuances and the manner, results always serve as a balm in a club that prioritises competitive success above all else. Ancelotti, aware of this, appeared much calmer in the pre-match press conference against Valladolid and, despite the apparent fragility of a rival 31 points below in the standings, sent a message to his team to avoid any complacency.

"The best possible team"

"We have reached the top and we must maintain our position because it's an important moment in the league," the Italian began his press conference. "We must keep the lead and I will field the best possible team because it's the most important match of this cycle," he emphasised shortly after, in case it wasn't clear.

Given the importance Carletto places on this first title defence, no changes are expected in the starting eleven beyond Brahim's inclusion, with Rodrygo on the left due to Vinicius's suspension, Lucas Vázquez's return pushing Valverde back to midfield, and the possibility of Tchouaméni and Fran García replacing Asencio and Mendy from the Salzburg match.

Facing them is the bottom-ranked Valladolid, improved under Mexican coach Diego Cocca, but experiencing institutional turmoil, with player departures, most notably Juma to Manchester City. This upheaval threatens even the coach's continuity and fuels criticism of Ronaldo's controversial management.

-Probable line-ups:

Valladolid: Hein, Luis Pérez, Javi Sánchez, David Torres, Lucas Rosa, Kike Pérez, Amallah, Mario Martín, Iván Sánchez, Marcos Andrés, and Anuar.

Real Madrid: Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, Fran García, Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham, Brahim, Mbappé, and Rodrygo.

Referee: Busquets Ferrer (Balearic Committee).

Time: 21:00 h. José Zorrilla.

Television: Movistar LaLiga.

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