Two goals from Karim Benzema helped Real Madrid secure a hard fought win at Valladolid, even though Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not enjoy a smooth performance. Thibaut Courtois made two early saves to keep the scores level as the match began at a brisk pace.
A second consecutive league win for Real Madrid lifted them to the top of the table with 38 points, briefly placing them ahead of Barcelona who sat on 37 after their upcoming fixture against Espanyol. The evening at the Jose Zorrilla stadium was marked by Madrid’s early rhythm, a strong pressing intent, and clear scoring chances that Valladolid unfortunately disrupted with sharp saves and timely blocks.
Real Madrid started with tempo and pace, creating danger in the opening minutes. Masip made several crucial interventions, and Benzema sent one chance narrowly off target as the ball floated just past the post. As the minutes ticked by, Valladolid grew into the game. Aguado attempted long-range efforts that tested Courtois, who produced a fine save to deny the first goal. In the second period, Sergio León headed narrowly wide in a strong Madrid reply that signaled a period of sustained pressure.
The match pivoted on a key moment when VAR reviewed a potential handball by Javi Sánchez following a corner. The decision awarded Real Madrid a penalty after a review by the official, a decision that followed another handball incident in the first half from Asensio that was not given. Benzema converted from the spot, keeping Madrid level, and the game swung decisively when Camavinga produced a brilliant run to set up Benzema for a second late strike, an action that underscored Madrid’s resilience and the French striker’s cutting edge.
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Reactions from Valladolid and Real Madrid highlighted the fine margins that decided the game. Courtois praised the performances of both goalkeepers, noting that the match looked likely to finish at 0-0 until the late breakthrough. He acknowledged that the decision on the handball penalties was a talking point and emphasized that Karim Benzema’s two goals would boost his confidence after a spell of rhythm challenges. The Real Madrid goalkeeper expressed belief that the team could keep pressing for top-spot and maintain pressure on their rivals as the campaign moved toward its tougher fixtures.
Masip, in his assessment, spoke about the way the tie came down to small details and remained proud of his team’s performance. He suggested that some calls may differ depending on the moment and added that Sergio León’s sending off had an impact on Valladolid’s momentum, even as the play continued to produce chances for the visitors.
Minute by minute
Minute 90. Eight added.
Minute 88. Benzema completes a double with a stylish finish following a superb Camavinga buildup.
Minute 85. Modric and Tchouaméni enter the fray before Valverde and Vinícius Júnior.
Minute 82. Benzema scores again after a smart feint to fool Masip as Madrid press from the bench, with Ancelotti directing the tactical plan from behind the dugout glass.
Minute 81. Sergio León is sent off for a comment toward the fourth official, while Joaquín receives a yellow card following protests.
Minute 80. A Real Madrid penalty is awarded after Rüdiger’s header strikes Javi Sánchez’s hand. The decision is confirmed following a VAR review.
Minute 78. Masip keeps Valladolid in the contest with a superb save as Benzema cuts in and shoots toward the near post.
Minute 67. Vinícius Jr almost breaks through with a clever back-heel move that ends in a save or a miss, depending on the referee’s flag of offside or not, with a gleaming finish denied by a defender on the line.
Minute 66. Courtois produces a sharp stop from a Sergio León finish after a corner, maintaining the tight balance of the match.
60 minutes. Substitutions for Real Madrid: Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez replace Carvajal and Asensio.
Minute 54. Gonzalo Plata comes on for Iván Sánchez as Valladolid seek a change in tempo.
Minute 46. The second half kicks off.
Pause at the break with no goals scored after 45 minutes.
Minute 35. Courtois makes a remarkable save after a powerful long-range strike from Aguado.
Minute 31. Sergio León seeks a penalty after a collision with Alaba; minutes later a Viníus shot is saved by Masip in a fast Madrid counterattack.
Minute 28. Asensio appeals for a foul after a clash with Joaquín, but the official does not award a penalty.
Minute 17. Benzema spurns a golden chance after a sequence that started with Vinícius Júnior’s shot blocked by Masip and a subsequent scramble near goal.
Minute 10. Masip keeps the match level with a superb stop after Valverde’s burst and a series of quick passes that culminate in a blocked finish that briefly deflects off a defender and is not deemed a penalty by the officials.
Minute 8. Valladolid attempt a distant strike that Courtois gathers without trouble.
Minute 5. Rüdiger looks to convert from a corner but fails to connect cleanly, leaving Real Madrid still seeking an opener.
Minute 1. The match begins with both teams in a high-intensity approach.
21:20 | The players retire to the changing rooms to receive final tactical instructions before the clash.
20:55 | Both teams warm up on the Jose Zorrilla pitch, with kickoff scheduled after sunset.
20:25 | Real Valladolid confirm their starting XI in advance of the match.
19:55 | Militao misses the trip due to illness but Real Madrid name a strong substitute-friendly squad.
19:45 | The absence of a key defender is noted as a strategic selection for this fixture.
7:35 pm | Real Madrid announce their starting lineup with praise for the squad’s depth.
7 pm | Two and a half hours remain until kickoff as Real Madrid look to resume their title chase with a win.
Good afternoon to readers following the broadcast of Valladolid versus Real Madrid, a fixture that marks the fifteenth LaLiga Santander meeting between the clubs in the 2022-23 season. Stay with the coverage for lineups, goals, stats, and more through the match.
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Key statistical outlook for Valladolid vs Real Madrid
- Real Valladolid have not defeated Real Madrid in their last 13 LaLiga meetings, with two draws and eleven defeats, a run that would stretch if they fail to break the streak against their storied visitors.
- Real Madrid have not lost in their last six visits to Valladolid, winning in the final three trips, a club record away run against the opponents in this competition.
- Valladolid have claimed three wins from their last five LaLiga games, matching their total from the previous 30 fixtures combined.
- Madrid have kept clean sheets in only two LaLiga games this season, tying a low mark for the club in the modern era at this stage of the campaign.
- Madrid have committed a relatively modest number of fouls after 14 rounds, the lowest for this phase in the competition in more than a decade.
- Valladolid is one of four LaLiga teams yet to score in the opening quarter this season, alongside Espanyol, Getafe and Villarreal.
- Valverde has scored six LaLiga goals while contributing an expected goals tally around 2.2, a notable disparity that underscores his scoring efficiency this season.
- Real Madrid lead the five major European leagues in pass success against the opponent’s half, a testament to their precise build-up play.
- Vinícius Júnior has been the most active dribbler in LaLiga this season, advancing the ball with pace and flair as he presses for high-volume attacking returns.
- Sergio León has netted five goals in 13 LaLiga 2022/23 games, with a couple of strikes against Real Madrid recorded across his appearances in the top flight.
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Starting lineups
Valladolid (4-4-2): Masip; Fresneda, Joaquin, Javi Sánchez, Escudero; Roque Mesa, Monchu, Aguado, Ivan Sánchez; Oscar Plano and Sergio León.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Camavinga, Ceballos, Valverde; Asensio, Vinícius, Benzema
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