The boundary between courage and recklessness blurred as Valladolid stepped into the Santiago Bernabéu fearing defeat, and Madrid delivered a performance that turned a tense afternoon into a showcase of precision and purpose. Real Madrid began with a calm, controlled rhythm as Carlo Ancelotti rotated his lineup, giving minutes to players like Hazard while ensuring a steady tempo. The result was a reassuring victory that allowed the coach to reboot the squad’s rhythm and refresh Karim Benzema’s involvement in the attack.
Amid a delicate Easter period, Real Madrid faced a league foe eager to seize a moment, playing with wind in their faces and a stadium crowded with visitors. Ancelotti urged his team to move the ball quickly to minimize doubt, though the starting ensemble carried a sense of composure that bordered on ceremonial. It was a day that tested patience as much as it tested resolve.
Initially, Ancelotti reshaped the setup to a 4-2-3-1, pairing Kroos with Tchouameni in midfield, and pushing Asensio, Rodrygo, and Vinícius into the attacking trio with Benzema up front. The most notable adjustment, however, was the pairing of Lucas and Camavinga in midfield from the outset, a deliberate choice to plug holes and stabilize the center. Valladolid countered with a bold 3-5-2, pressing high and forcing Madrid to stay sharp. The early pressure sparked tension, but Roque Mesa’s long-range effort reminded everyone that danger could come from any momentary lapse.
Benzema’s seven-minute hat-trick
Remarkable quick-fire brilliance unfolded. Within seven minutes, Benzema completed a remarkable hat-trick, a sequence that left the Bernabéu buzzing. Fans watched in disbelief as the French forward struck three goals in rapid succession, including a late volley that sealed the treble. The collective mood shifted instantly as Madrid found a ruthless rhythm in attack.
Madrid continued to press, and Asensio’s incisive run and Rodrygo’s finish broke Valladolid’s resistance early in the first half. Vinícius then delivered an assist that exposed the visitors’ defensive gaps, and Benzema followed with a second goal, pouncing on a rebound to widen the gap. A third goal shortly after elevated the scoreline and solidified Madrid’s control. The sequence was swift, clinical, and emblematic of the home side’s attacking prowess on this Palm Sunday.
Valladolid’s defense wilted under sustained pressure, and Madrid’s defense held firm as the visitors struggled to mount a meaningful response. The home side’s fluency grew with each passing minute, and by halftime the scoreline stood decisively in Madrid’s favor, a testament to strategic discipline and ruthless finishing.
The second half began with Madrid maintaining control while Valladolid looked for a reply. The visitors did threaten at times, hitting the post and testing Madrid’s resolve, but the effect of Madrid’s experience and pace was evident. Ancelotti mixed his lineup again, bringing on Vallejo and Hazard to refresh the forward motion, while Dani Ceballos remained a focal point of Madrid’s build-up play. The balance between defense and attack remained favorable for Madrid as the match progressed, with substitutions reinforcing the command of the game rather than inviting risk.
Eden Hazard’s return to action for Real Madrid added a new dimension to the encounter. The crowd greeted his minutes with a mix of enthusiasm and relief, signaling a broader plan to reintegrate him into regular competition after an extended spell on the sidelines. The moment illustrated the broader strategy of rotation and recovery that Madrid has pursued throughout the season, aiming to maintain a high level of performance without overburdening key players.
Ancelotti reviews the upcoming schedule
Looking ahead to a packed slate that includes clashes with Barcelona, Villarreal, and Chelsea, Ancelotti left several players in contention for important roles. Kroos remained in the XI alongside Ceballos, with Modric potentially rejoining the midfield balance alongside Camavinga, Tchouameni, or Valverde. Asensio’s fifth goal of the season also highlighted his impact as a consistent offensive contributor, reinforcing Madrid’s depth and design around a dynamic forward line.
Madrid did not eclipse Valladolid by chance; they capitalized on their opponent’s vulnerabilities and executed their game plan with clinical precision. The result underscored Madrid’s superiority on the day, a performance built on collective effort, smart rotation, and a relentless pursuit of control. The late substitutions and tactical choices reinforced a clear message: the squad is ready to adapt while maintaining a high competitive standard. The result preserved Madrid’s momentum and kept the mood at the Bernabéu confident and forward-looking.