On Sunday afternoon, Real Madrid hosts Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu as Los Blancos look to stay in the race for the Spanish top-flight title.
Real Madrid form guideThe reigning Spanish champions fell 12 points behind arch-rivals and league leaders Barcelona at the top of the table. A 2-1 defeat at their rivals last time out in El Clasico was a major blow to their chances of retaining their crown. The defeat ended a three-game unbeaten run in all competitions, including two straight victories.
The loss also ended a five-game unbeaten run for Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the Spanish top flight.
The men from Madrid have a formidable recent home record in La Liga, as they are unbeaten in 16 league matches at the Bernabeu. The run includes six wins in their last nine home games in La Liga.
Real Valladolid form guideThe visitors are in the thick of the relegation battle, as they are currently in 16th place in the table, two points clear of the danger zone. A 3-1 home defeat against Athletic Club last time out means that the Albivioletas have won three of their previous five matches, having conceded at least two goals in each loss.
Valladolid has struggled to pick up wins on their travels of late in La Liga, having won just one of their last nine games, having suffered seven defeats in the process. A lack of goals has been the visitor's main issue of late, as they failed to score in six of their previous nine matches on their travels in the Spanish top-flight.
Latest team newsReal Madrid’s only likely absentee through injury is full-back Ferland Mendy. Meanwhile, Real Valladolid could be without Anuar, Gonzalo Plata and Jordi Masip through various injuries.
What am I backing?Real Madrid’s recent form may not have been in great form, but they should have too much quality for the visitors.
