Real Madrid will be aiming to secure their first win of the 2024/25 La Liga season on Sunday afternoon when they host Real Valladolid.

It may only be matchday two in Spain’s top flight but Los Blancos already find themselves on the backfoot after only managing a 1-1 draw in their opening match against RCD Mallorca. Despite taking an early lead through Rodrygo, Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded side underwhelmed in Palma and finished with an expected goals tally of just 0.6.

However, there will be no panicking within the Madrid camp and they may well take their opening-week frustrations out on Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Newly promoted Valladolid, who are owned by former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo, managed victory in their first match of the season last Monday, beating Espanyol 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike from Raul Moro. However, they won’t be expecting too much when they travel to the capital on Sunday, especially given they lost 6-0 on their last visit to the Bernabeu.

Here is 90min’s guide to Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid.

Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Real Madrid have been dealt a significant injury blow at the beginning of the new campaign, with Jude Bellingham likely missing until the end of September. The England international sustained a leg injury during training and adds his name to an absentee list that also contains Eduardo Camavinga and David Alaba.

Ferland Mendy is suspended after being sent off late on against Mallorca last time out, with back-up Fran Garcia likely to come in as a replacement.

The front three of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo is almost certain to get another run out at the weekend in Madrid’s first home game of the season.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Real Valladolid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

Real Valladolid have a few fitness concerns for their journey to Madrid, one of whom is former Chelsea winger Kenedy. However, despite a knock, he could feature in the capital. Anuar Tuhami will be missing for Sunday’s match but Andre Ferreira will return from suspension.

Real Madrid have recently sent two players to Valladolid, with Juanmi Latasa joining on a permanent transfer and Mario Martin arriving on loan.

Real Valladolid predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-5-1): Hein; L. Perez, Sanchez, Boyoma, Rosa; Ndiaye, K. Perez, Comert, Amallah, Moro; Sylla.

Madrid will be desperate to bounce back from a disappointing result against Mallorca and welcoming a newly promoted side to the Bernabeu provides the perfect opportunity for a response. You would expect Los Blancos’ array of devastating forwards to enjoy themselves on Sunday.

However, there is always a chance for Valladolid to upset the party on Sunday and they will need to be as defensively resilient as they were in their opener against Espanyol. Still, anything but a Madrid win looks unlikely.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3-0 Real Valladolid

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