La Liga | Gameweek 15

Nov 30, 2024 at 8pm UK

Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla

Valladolidvs.Atletico

Match preview

Real Valladolid have won two, drawn three and lost nine of their 14 La Liga matches this season, with a total of nine points, leaving them at the bottom of the division, three points behind 17th-placed Las Palmas.

The White and Violets have the worst defensive record in Spain's top flight this season, conceding 27 times in their 14 matches. They'll be entering this match in disappointing form, having picked up just one point from their last four games.

In their last match on 10 November, Real Valladolid held Athletic Bilbao to a 1-1 draw in front of their own fans. However, they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Getafe on their return to duty following the November international break.

Paulo Pezzolano's team finished second in the Segunda División last season, which secured their return to the top flight. They're now aiming to make it back-to-back campaigns at this level for the first time since 2021.

Real Valladolid have lost their last five La Liga matches against Atlético, including a 5-2 defeat in the corresponding match during the 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, Atlético will be looking to build on their 6-0 win over Sparta Prague in the Champions League, which made it six straight victories for the capital giants in all competitions.

Simeone's side have now won their last two European matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Sparta, while they've been victorious in their last three in the league against Las Palmas, Mallorca and Alavés.

Atlético actually trailed 1-0 to Alavés last weekend, with Jon Guridi scoring from the penalty spot in the seventh minute. However, Antoine Griezmann levelled the score with a penalty of his own in the 76th minute, before Alexander Sorloth scored the winning goal for the Red and Whites in the 86th minute.

The capital side now have a record of eight wins, five draws and one defeat in their 14 league matches this season. This has left them in third spot in the table on 29 points, five points behind the leaders Barcelona.

Atlético have the best defence in La Liga, conceding just eight goals in their 14 matches. However, they have only scored 21 times, making them the fifth-best attacking team in the division.

Recent Performance

Real Valladolid La Liga form:LWLLDL

Real Valladolid form (all competitions):WLWLDL

Atletico Madrid La Liga form:DWLWWW

Atletico Madrid form (all competitions):WWWWWW

Team News

Real Valladolid will be without Selim Amallah again due to a muscle problem, but the home side are otherwise in great shape ahead of their match with Atlético.

Pezzolo is likely to keep the same line-up after the defeat to Getafe last time out, but there could be a change in midfield, with Mario Martin likely to replace Stanko Juric.

Mamadou Sylla has scored twice in La Liga this season, and the 30-year-old is set to lead the home side's line once again.

In terms of Atlético, Nahuel Molina and Thomas Lemar will be out of action due to injury, while Robin Le Normand is still a major doubt. The defender is making slow progress in his recovery from a serious head injury.

Simeone is likely to make a couple of changes to the side that started against Sparta. Griezmann and Koke are expected to be introduced into the side.

It looks like Giuliano Simeone will keep his spot on the right for Atlético, while Ángel Correa is likely to have to settle for a spot on the bench once again despite scoring a late brace in the Champions League last time out.

Possible starting lineup

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Hein; Perez, Bah, J Sanchez, Ozkacar, Rosa; Moro, Martin, Perez, Tuhami; Syllla

Atletico Madrid possible starting lineup:

Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Lenglet, Galan; Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez