Jude Bellingham a doubt for Real Madrid's home debut against Valladolid
Real Madrid host newly-promoted Real Valladolid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday 25 August at 16:00 (GMT+1) in the second round of La Liga. The reigning champions are looking for their first home win of the season after a disappointing 1-1 draw away at RCD Mallorca, but may have to do without star player Jude Bellingham.
A difficult season opener for Real Madrid
The new La Liga season got off to a far from smooth start for Real Madrid. At the Son Moix, Rodrygo opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a fine curling right-footed effort, before Kylian Mbappé squandered the chance to double the lead from a prime opportunity. After the break, Mallorca made the most of their chances: Vedat Muriqi levelled in the 53rd minute, holding the visitors to a single point. Manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen to set things straight on Sunday. 'We have analysed what went wrong in the previous match, and Valladolid will be a good test,' he said at the pre-match press conference. Real Madrid have gone their last three games without a win, though they have also remained unbeaten (0 wins, 3 draws, 0 defeats). Against Valladolid, the Madrilenos will be hoping to extend a run of five consecutive victories over Sunday's visitors.
Bellingham concerns, Mendy suspended and Camavinga out
The biggest uncertainty in the Real Madrid camp surrounds Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder picked up an injury during training, after which the club's medical department confirmed in an official statement: 'Following an examination by the Real Madrid medical staff, Jude Bellingham has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantaris muscle in his right leg.' Whether he will be fit in time for Sunday remains unclear. Left-back Ferland Mendy is also absent through suspension, having received a red card deep into injury time against Mallorca. Eduardo Camavinga is likewise unavailable and is expected to be sidelined until the beginning of September. Should Bellingham prove fit enough, Ancelotti is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 with Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Mbappé leading the attack.
Valladolid make a strong start on their return to La Liga
Newly-promoted Real Valladolid made an impressive return to Spain's top flight last weekend. The club won 1-0 at home against Espanyol at the José Zorrilla, with Raúl Moro scoring the only goal. Valladolid were promoted as runners-up from the Segunda División and their primary objective is to stay up in La Liga. A result at the Bernabéu would be a welcome step towards that goal, though the side have lost their last three away fixtures against Madrid-based clubs. A victory on Sunday would also carry historic significance: it would be the first time since the 2012/13 season that Valladolid have won their opening two league games. Manager Paulo Pezzolano is expected to opt for a 4-5-1 with Mamadou Sylla leading the line. Winger Anuar is absent and is also ruled out until the start of September.
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Source: Sportmonks
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