Valladolid Vs. Real Madrid: Don't Forget How To Win Without Vinicius

The forward Kylian Mbappe became the mainstay of Real Madrid's front line against Real Valladolid. (X/@realmadrid

JAKARTA - Real Madrid are chasing their fourth win in various competitions despite losing forward Vinicius Junior against Real Valladolid in the La Liga Spain match at the Municipal Jose Zorrilla Stadium, Sunday, January 26, 2025 in the morning WIB. Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Madrid did not forget how to win even without Vinicius Jr.

Madrid quickly got up after Barcelona's 5-2 Beaten in the final of the Spanish Supercopa or the Spanish Super Cup. They immediately went berserk by slaughtering Celta Vigo 5-2 in the Copa del Rey. Furthermore, Madrid finished Las Palmas 4-1 in domestic competitions.

Last time competing in the Champions League, Madrid also won 5-1 over Salzbourg. The impressive winning trend was what Madrid wanted to defend by chasing their fourth win when they visited Valladolid headquarters.

The chances of winning three points while maintaining a position at the top of the standings are very open. Because Kylian Mbappe et al only face minor opponents who are threatened with lowering caste.

Yes, Valladolid was stranded at the bottom of the standings with point 15. They are already five points behind with Deportivo Alaves who are above the relegation zone. Ancelotti is optimistic that Madrid will be able to meet that target despite appearing at home to opponents.

Vinicius' absence from playing after receiving a red card in the match against Valencia, according to Ancelotti as quoted by reuters.com, did not lower the team's sharpness. Without the Brazilian national team forward, Madrid also successfully defeated Las Palmas.

"They forgot, we won the Champions League too without Vini. He is indeed an irreplaceable player. But we can also win without him," said Ancelotti.

"He also continues to show good performance. When he can't play, this gives him the opportunity to recover from his condition. He will be fitter when we enter the most important moment in the competition," he said again.

Madrid played a game with a busy schedule. The team had to undergo seven matches in various competitions since early January. However, Madrid was able to overcome the pressure and even perched at the top of the standings.

"We make all matches important and must be won. Therefore, I try my best to field the best team," said Ancelotti.

"We did have a tight schedule match. But we slowly found the right rhythm of the game. Our target was clear, namely to become a league leader and maintain that position," he said.

Valladolid does need additional points to help them get out of the relegation zone. Only, in the last match Diego Cocca's team lost 2-1 against Espanyol.

However, Valladolid won in the last two home games. They managed to beat Valencia and Real Betis with the same score 1-0.

In that match, Ancelotti reshuffled the team when they beat Salzbourg. Vinicius, who did not appear to be replaced by Brahim Diaz who was with Rodrygo to support Mbappe.

The central sector also changed by returning to the trio of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham. Madrid can still field the best squad that makes Los Blancos seeded to win in the away match.

Lineup Forecast: Real Valladolid (4-3-3): Hein; Perez, Ozkacar, J Sanchez, Rosa; Perez, Ndiaye, Martin; Tuhami, Andre, Amallah

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Vazquez, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Brahim