Valladolid v Real Madrid

14 March 2010 – 20:00 GMT

Real Madrid will travel to face Valladolid on Sunday at the top of the La Liga table for the first time since November 22, 2009.

Valladolid v Real Madrid Preview

Real Madrid lead Barcelona on goal difference at the top of the La Liga table but one slip-up on Sunday could change that. They’ve been on great form in La Liga, winning their last seven matches. Valladolid are in a relegation battle and are 18th with 20 points heading into the match.

They have a 2-6-5 record at home while Real Madrid are 7-2-3 on the road. Real will look to rebound from a disappointing 1-1 (1-2 loss on aggregate) draw in the midweek against Lyon in the UEFA Champions League. Valladolid’s last match was an 0-2 loss at Athletic Bilbao. Since the new year, Valladolid has not won a match and any points against Real Madrid will be a bonus.

Valladolid will need to keep it low scoring as they’ve only scored 27 goals in 44 matches. Real Madrid won’t be at full strength for the match as Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Royston Drenthe are all unavailable. The home side will be without Jacobo Sanz and Sisi for Sunday’s match.

This is a match that Real Madrid need to win if they want to show they can challenge Barcelona for the La Liga title. While playing on the road can be tough against any opponent, Valladolid are one of the weaker teams and not close to Real Madrid in terms of talent.

Gonzalo Higuain and Cristiano Ronaldo should provide the scoring while Raul could get a start with Kaka sidelined. Valladolid’s only chance is to score early and hope to hold off Real Madrid for a draw or a one goal victory. Neither seems likely and Real should remain on top of the table after Sunday.

Valladolid v Real Madrid Prediction

Real Madrid will win the match 2-0.

Valladolid v Real Madrid Live Online

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