Real Madrid's Dominance and Valladolid's Struggles: A Tale of Contrasting Fortunes

Real Madrid commenced their day perched atop the league standings and concluded it by solidifying their dominance, further distancing themselves from their competitors. Merely two weeks prior in Jeddah, the foundation beneath the White team trembled. In this age of extremes that we inhabit, there are already whispers from some quarters proclaiming Madrid as league champions. Yet, Carlo Ancelotti, the maestro at the helm, remains aware that such declarations hold the same value as the rubble left behind from the devastation of a fortnight ago. After their earlier loss, murmurs arose that Madrid’s gameplay had become lackluster or outright poor. And now the query emerges: What lies ahead?

Asensio’s Role on the Right Flank

Carlo Ancelotti entrusted Marco Asensio with a role down the right corridor—a decision he had pondered for several weeks. Following the Sevilla game, he elaborated, “We’ve been training him on the right wing due to his attributes, which allow him to excel there, and naturally, he contributes more defensively in that position.” It’s a delicate balancing act. While Federico Valverde could also occupy that area, the decision to shift him away from midfield—thus distancing him from the central zones and goal-scoring opportunities—needs careful consideration. Admittedly, Valladolid’s offensive demands were modest, but the experiment with Asensio revealed potential for further refinement. By the game’s conclusion, Valverde had even slotted in as a makeshift right-back, showcasing tactical fluidity.

Courtois Saves; Mbappé Strikes

Another day, another goal for Kylian Mbappé. The French phenom etched his mark yet again, extending his streak to five consecutive games with a net-shaking finish. Mbappé’s prowess continues to carve out landmarks on goal maps, and his ability to decide matches remains unparalleled globally. Equally pivotal to Real Madrid’s fortunes, however, is having Thibaut Courtois as their stalwart between the posts. In Valladolid, Courtois delivered a masterclass, preserving parity with two critical saves, one coming within seconds of the match’s start. While forwards like Mbappé bask in the spotlight with their Jumanji-like flair, Courtois’s contribution is not far behind, proving indispensable.

Controlling the Tempo

Madrid closed the match with an air of measured composure. The 0-2 scoreline not only drained Valladolid’s energy but also shifted the focus of the home crowd, who appeared more fixated on their absent president than on rallying their team toward a miracle. Ancelotti’s men eased their intensity, yet opportunities continued to emerge almost effortlessly. The disparity between the league’s summit and its depths was evident. The prevailing sense was that Madrid was more intent on reaching the airport swiftly than exerting extra effort to score further against a beleaguered opponent.

Fran García’s Ascension

Andoni Iraola, a figure familiar with talent spotting, once remarked that Fran García had the makings of a player who could contribute significantly to Real Madrid. That prediction is now bearing fruit. Every time García steps onto the pitch, he brings dynamism and commitment, often surpassing expectations. While he might not be the first choice against opponents demanding defensive sturdiness, his offerings in attacking phases are becoming indispensable. García’s current impact isn’t far off from that of Mendy. His trajectory hints that if one doesn’t evolve, they risk being overtaken.

The Challenge of Rüdiger

Antonio Rüdiger, the indomitable German center-back, continues to cement his reputation as an impenetrable force. In Valladolid, he reaffirmed his dominance, illustrating that dueling him head-on is a perilous endeavor. While finesse may offer a slim chance to outmaneuver the Berliner, attempting to bulldoze past him usually results in calamity, as witnessed by Valladolid’s futile efforts. Rüdiger even ventured a rare long-range shot during the game, a testament to his growing confidence.

Ronaldo’s Legacy in Valladolid

The question lingers: Is Ronaldo’s association with Valladolid still meaningful? Comparisons to Peter Lim’s controversial ownership at Mestalla come to mind, albeit with a significant difference—Ronaldo is a footballing legend, a global icon who once garnered universal admiration, even in Valladolid. Yet, the chants of “Ronaldo, leave now” echo persistently, surfacing in both good times and bad. The intricacies of his tenure involve financial dealings and undisclosed matters, but the harsh reality remains: Ronaldo’s image has suffered irreparable harm at Valladolid, tarnished by missteps and disillusionment.

A Club on the Brink

Valladolid’s plight is glaring, and their outlook appears increasingly grim. While it’s true that Real Madrid operates in a different stratosphere, Valladolid cannot afford complacency. If their ambition is to stave off relegation, monumental effort is required—whether from Ronaldo or another figure of authority. The team’s trajectory resembles that of a business on the verge of liquidation, with uncertainty looming over who might step up to salvage their fate.