Real Madrid

El Real Valladolid recibe el domingo en su feudo al Real Madrid

• 
• Elisa Estrada

Juan Tapiador / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Valladolid have only won three league games this season. Their home games have resulted in two victories and six draws. Coach Onesimo replaced Mendilibar a few weeks ago and he is renowned for instilling optimism in his team's and making them look for an early opening goal in every match. Valladolid always suffer when they are forced to make a turnaround, but they defend solidly when they take the lead, using Manucho's and Diego Costa's skills in swift counterattacks.

Their premise is to play in their opponent's half of the pitch as soon as they steal the ball. Sesma and Keko open up the team's attack. Although the wingers have a very specific job to do, this doesn't prevent them from exchanging their position with attacking midfielders such as former Madridista youth teamer Alberto Bueno. Onesimo knows his team needs as many victories as possible and may reinforce the midfield in detriment of the attacking front. Sesma's participation in the match is doubtful and Luis Prieto, Jacobo and Canobbio, who have been injured all week, may join Sisi and Nauzet Aleman in the infirmary back home.

The system they use is usually a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1. Borja and Pele have played in midfield in the last few games, with Lazaro also helping out in defence. The defensive line is their most fragile, but Uruguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar has earned a starting position in recent fixtures.

The transfers of Pedro Leon, Goitom and Sergio Asenjo to Getafe, Almeria and Atletico Madrid, plus the retirement of symbolic men like Victor and Garcia Calvo, weakened the squad. The club opted to get new young blood and signed Del Horno, Sereno and Keko, who came from Valencia, Vitoria Guimaraes and Atletico Madrid, respectively.