Real Madrid caretaker boss Santiago Solari will take charge of his first home game when ‘Los Blancos’ host an in-form Valladolid side hoping to pile further league misery on a free-falling Madrid.
Solari took over the reins at Madrid on an interim basis following Sunday’s 5-1 trouncing by Barcelona, which hammered the final nail in the coffin of Julen Lopetegui’s tenure (14 games, W6, D2, L6), and the new gaffer made a winning start to life in the Madrid dugout on Wednesday as they beat third-tier side Melilla 4-0 away in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last-32 tie.
The embarrassing defeat in El Clasico made it three La Liga (LL) losses on the bounce for Madrid, who are now winless in their last five league games (D1, L4). This slump sees them sit ninth (14 pts, W4, D2, L4), seven points adrift of table-toppers Barca – their lowest position after ten games since 2001.
Coming off the back of a 2-1 Copa victory at Mallorca, sixth-placed Valladolid (16 pts, W4, D4, L2) arrive at Madrid riding an impressive six-game unbeaten league run (W4, D2). Sergio González’s side battled back to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Espanyol last week.
There have been 42 top-flight meetings between these sides at the Bernabéu to date, with Madrid winning 36 to Valladolid’s three (three draws). Valladolid have lost on their last seven visits to Madrid in the top tier.
Players to watch: Brazilian wonderkid Vinicius Jr contributed two assists against Melilla on his first start for Madrid. Can he stake a claim for a regular spot in Solari’s starting XI?
Winger Daniele Verde struck twice against Mallorca, and he scored an astonishing long-range free-kick in the 91st minute to rescue a point for his side against Espanyol.
Live streaming real Madrid vs Valladolid Laliga 3.11.2018
Stat attack: Incredibly, Madrid haven’t scored more than a goal in any of their last seven LL games (three blanks).
Valladolid are yet to taste defeat away from home in LL this season (W2, D3), having conceded just three goals on their travels – the joint-fewest in the competition.
Madrid have won none of the four LL games in which they have been behind at half-time (D1, L3).
Will not play
Carvajal D.
(Calf Injury)
Marcelo
(Muscle Injury)
Varane R.
(Groin Injury)
Questionable
Diaz M.
(Muscle Injury)
Keko
(Injury)
Vallejo J.
(Muscle Injury)
Lopez I.
(Muscle Injury)
Salisu M.
(Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Manzano J. (Esp),
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid)