Real Madrid vs Valladolid

10/2- The league leaders received a terrible shock last week when they were defeated by Almeria in an away tie. Real Madrid were cruising along this season with the top position and a 9 point lead over arch rivals Barcelona before Almeria put a halt on their winning streak. From last 10 matches played this season Real Madrid have won nine and lost one. Real Madrid would be looking to prove a point to the home crowd and would be eager to stamp their authority over the championship once again. Valladolid on the other hand are placed on the 12^th position and have been experiencing a bad phase themselves, they have lost their last two matches, one against Deportivo La Coruna in an away encounter and last week they lost against Valencia playing at home with a 0-2 margin. A look at the head to head between the two sides would suggest that Real Madrid have been the dominant side with 12 victories in the 22 matches played in the last 15 years of which 7 were draws.

Real Madrid have not lost a single match playing at home this season and to think that they would lose this tie against Valladolid is out of question, the best that the Valladolid team could possibly do is hold them for a draw but considering the fact that Real Madrid have lost the last match they would be on full attack in order to gain all the three points from the match. A lot can be expected from the tri of Van Nistelrooy, Raul and Robinho as they have been highly effective this season.

Valladolid on the other hand would be hoping to avoid a third consecutive loss as that would put down the moral of the entire side and the fans supporting them as well but looking at the situation a loss is something that looks inevitable.

Prediction: 2-0, Real Madrid win