Los Blancos return to the Santiago Bernabeu looking to kickstart the defence of their La Liga title after a 1-1 draw away to Mallorca in the opening game.
Real Valladolid bounced back immediately into La Liga following their relegation after the 2022-23 season. They come here with survival their main aim for the season. Valladolid are owned by Ronaldo, who I am sure will be hoping to spring the shock of the season beating his former club in their own back yard.
How the bookies view it: Valladolid there to make up the numbers
As you would expect, the bookmakers can't see past a Real Madrid victory, pricing Real Valladolid as if their players will offer less resistance than eleven training cones. Bet365 currently are offering 14/1 for the upset.
A Madrid win is unbackable at 2/11, but if you're feeling brave, 13/2 for the draw might give you a 10-minute sweat, because it surely won't take Madrid much longer to score.
Recent head-to-head: The writing is on the wall, history shall prevail
Madrid have won 60 of the 92 La Liga games, with 14 draws and 18 victories for Valladolid. Madrid have won to nil in their last five meetings, although they only managed to score goals themselves in three of those games.
Despite Valladolid likely to sit back in their 5-4-1 shape, a hammering looks on the cards, something similar to the 6-0 drubbing dished out when they last met.
Players to watch: Are the next gen Galacticos ready to engage?
The impressive Mallorca gave Madrid a game in the opening round of La Liga with Rodrygo scoring the goal. Jude Bellingham is out for a month, so all the focus will be on the biggest transfer of the summer, Kylian Mbappe, who will be making his domestic debut having scored in the Super Cup.
I fully expect Madrid to make an example out of the newly promoted team. Mbappe will thrive in this environment and could put on a clinic accompanied by the ever impressive Vinicius Jr. who won't be upstaged even next to Mbappe.
Raul Muro scored for the visitors on their opening day victory over Espanyol, who made 10 signings since being promoted whilst keeping most of last season's team together.
Predicted line-ups
Carlo Ancelotti is forced to make two changes to what is now a settled squad. Fran Garcia is a straight swap at left back whilst he may side with the experienced Luka Modric to come in, having signed a one year extension in the summer.
Real Valladolid are likely to remain unchanged given they won their opening game and have no new fitness issues. Andre Ferreira returns from suspension.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Fran Garcia, Militao, Rudiger, Carvajal, Valverde, Tchouameni, Modric, Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Real Valladolid: Hein, Rosa, Perez, Sanchez, Boyomo, Ndiaye, Perez, Cumart, Amallah, Moro, Sylla.
Anything else catch the eye?
This does have an easy day at the office feel to it with little to suggest anything other than a Real Madrid walkover. Valladolid haven't won here since 2000, Madrid haven't lost in their last 33 home games, with 2 defeats in 67 games. They've scored in 41 of the previous 43 home games with Valladolid having conceded in 22 of their last 24 away matches.
With all the stats suggesting the obvious, there isn't much else that needs saying. Valladolid are capable of keeping the scoreline tight but they will be powerless to resist if Madrid decide to put on a show in front of their home fans for the first time this season.
This La Liga match between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid will be played on Aug 25, 2024 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
