Real Madrid have no more room for error in the league title race after their draw over the weekend. Carlo Ancelotti admitted that fatigue was a factor, so the fact that Madrid face two games this week, including Wednesday's match against Real Valladolid, doesn't bode well for the Blancos.
Real Valladolid vs. Real Madrid: Preview, TV schedule and how to watch online
Madrid’s draw on Sunday leaves them no room for error if they want to remain in the title race.
Denis Doyle
The potential absence of both Gareth Bale and Dani Carvajal doesn't help either, though midfielder Luka Modrić is expected back after recovering from a leg injury. Iker Casilllas will also start in goal instead of Diego López, a move designed to get him minutes ahead of the Champions League final later this month.
This is an absolutely massive match for Real Valladolid. Losing it would not doom them to relegation, but getting even a point would be a huge boost towards remaining in the top flight next season.
Real Valladolid injuries and suspensions
Out: Fausto Rossi (suspended). In Doubt: Manucho (knee).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Gareth Bale (undisclosed), Dani Carvajal (undisclosed)
Bale and Carvajal are both in doubt after picking up knocks over the weekend. Ángel di María would likely move into Bale’s role, while Álvaro Arebeloa could finally return and replace Carvajal at right back.
Projected lineups
Real Valladolid: Jaime, Carlos Peña, Stefan Mitrovič, Jesús Rueda, Antonio Rukavina, Víctor Pérez, Álvaro Rubio, Zakarya Bergdich, Humberto Oscar, Daniel Larsson, Javi Guerra
Real Madrid: Iker Casillas, Marcelo, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Álvaro Arbeloa, Xavi Alonso, Luka Modrić, Isco, Ángel di María, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema
Match Date/Time: 9 p.m. local, 3 p.m. ET
Venue: Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports en Español (U.S.), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Play (U.S.), beIN Sports Play (Canada)
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