Real Madrid welcomed Real Valladolid to the Bernabeu on Saturday looking to consolidate second position in the La Liga table.
It was the away side that took the lead in the early stages when Oscar Gonzalez coolly slotted home from inside the box. However, an own goal from Antonio Rukavina after 26 minutes left the scores level.
The first-half scoring did not stop there, however, with Cristiano Ronaldo sending Madrid into the lead before Javi Guerra tapped home to make it 2-2 moments later.
Madrid were back ahead in the early stages of the second period when Kaka thumped an effort into the top corner, before Ronaldo made it 4-2 after 70 minutes.
Lluis Sastre had one back for the away side late on, but Madrid held on to secure all three points.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Well, it has not been a good week for Spanish football to say the least. Many predicted that we would have an El Clasico final in Europe, but it is Germany that prevailed in the semi-finals. Now Madrid must switch their focus to the league as they attempt to secure second position in the table against a solid Valladolid outfit.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Madrid have enjoyed the best of it with four wins from the last five matches, losing once in the process. As mentioned, the capital outfit were 3-2 winners in the reverse match earlier in the season. That said, Valladolid did secure a 1-0 win when they hosted Madrid in November 2008.
As it stands, Madrid currently sit in second position in the table, six points above third-placed Atletico Madrid, but 11 behind leaders Barcelona. The title is not mathematically gone, but the race is all but over. That puts added importance on their Copa del Rey final against rivals Atletico Madrid later this month.
Madrid will be able to call upon an impressive home record this evening having won 14 of their 16 league matches at the Bernabeu this season, remaining unbeaten in the process. It has been on their road where they have struggled with all five of their defeats coming away from home, although they have picked up 30 points in the process.
TEAMS:
MADRID: Lopez; Nacho, Pepe, Carvalho, Coentrao; Kaka, Modric, Khedira; Di Maria, Ronaldo, Benzema
VALLADOLID: Jaime; Rukavina, Valiente, Balenziaga, Rueda; Ebert, Rubio, Oscar, Omar; Perez, Guerra
So there we have it. Much-changed lineup for the home side this evening with Ricardo Carvalho, Nacho, Pepe, Kaka and Karim Benzema all coming into the team. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, does start in attack. No real surprises in the Valladolid side, although former Manchester United striker Manucho is once more left on the bench.
In truth, Valladolid can enjoy a comfortable end to the season. They currently sit in 12th position on 40 points, which makes them safe from relegation unless an extraordinary turn of events occurs. They are also six points off the top six, which all but rules them out of Europe. In truth, they already have their eyes on next season.
They have been quite impressive on their travels this season picking up 16 points from their 16 matches, although they have been beaten eight times. Perhaps not too surprisingly, their home form is in keeping with their league position having won six of their 17 matches on their own patch, drawing six and losing five.
Madrid have the second best defence and the second best attack in the league this season. They have conceded just 31 times, which is second to Atletico’s 27, while they have scored 85 times, second to Barcelona’s 101. Valladolid, meanwhile, have conceded 46 goals, but scored 42, a fairly solid number.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. Madrid are much-changed this evening, but I just cannot see them slipping up against this Valladolid outfit. It is a comfortable home win for me.
Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. Carvalho, Pepe, Nacho, Kaka and Benzema all start for the home side, while Diego Lopez continues in goal, with Iker Casillas once more named on the bench. Valladolid, meanwhile, prefer Javi Guerra to Manucho in attack. Right, the home side get the action underway on this mild evening in Madrid.
Strangely subdued atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. In truth, Madrid will finish second in the table, while Valladolid are safe for another season. It should produce an open match with both sides looking for a positive end to the season. Also a chance for the fringe players to impress Mourinho this evening.
It's a bright start from the away side as Rukavina searches out the run of Oscar with a long pass, but Pepe is across to clear at the vital moment. The pressure continues as Rubio collects possession outside the box, but Nacho makes the challenge. Bright opening four minutes from both sides in the Spanish capital.
Madrid have just started to get to grips with the possession with Di Maria and Ronaldo both threatening in wide positions. The latter attempts to find Benzema with a low cross, but Jaime comes out to claim under pressure from Modric. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that are making much of the noise inside the Bernabeu.
Could this be one of the last home matches for Jose Mourinho? The soap opera continues to unwind, with the Portuguese almost certain to leave at the end of the season. I wonder whether he will attempt to take any of his stars with him? Not too much from Valladolid in the last few moments with Guerra cutting an isolated figure in attack.
GOAL! Madrid 0-1 Valladolid (Oscar)
It is a horror moment for the Madrid back four as Di Maria's pass is cut out by Oscar, who simply moves into the box before slotting under Lopez. Cool finish from the Spaniard, but really poor from the home side.
Just the one win in the last eight for the away side, but they are unbeaten in their last three matches. As it stands, they are on for a famous result. Half-chance for Di Maria down the other end, but he can only fire high and wide of the crossbar. Groans from the home crowd. There is not a pleasant atmosphere inside the stadium this evening.
Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in the last few minutes with Valladolid comfortable in dealing with the danger. The away supporters, who have arrived in their numbers, are having a real party inside the stadium. Jose Mourinho, meanwhile, looks as if he would rather be anywhere else but here. I am certain that he will leave in the summer.
Half-chance for the home side as Modric drives past two defenders before feeding a low pass into the box, Kaka is first to react, but his effort was just wide of the post. The Brazilian attempts to win a penalty moments later, but the referee is not interested, before Kaka fires over from close range moments later.
In fairness to the home side it has been all one-way traffic since Valladolid took the lead, but that goal continues to elude them. Ebert is involved for the away side moments later as he delivers a low cross into the box, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. End-to-end football in this La Liga encounter.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the opposing half. Valladolid are playing with a real freedom at the moment as they continue to attack down each wing, but thus far Carvalho and Pepe have been equal to the danger. It remains 1-0 to Valladolid with 19 minutes on the clock.
Half-chance for Ronaldo as the Portuguese moves towards a cross from Benzema, but it was just too high for the former Manchester United striker. Jose Mourinho continues to look uninterested on the sidelines, meanwhile, which surely is not good for his team. It is almost as if everything is too much effort for the home side this evening.
Ebert is again the threat for Valladolid as he meets a cross from Rueda, but his header was straight into the arms of Lopez. The Madrid stopper attempts to release Di Maria on the counter, but the Argentine was always running into a brick wall. Valladolid are comfortable with 24 minutes on the clock.
The stadium announcer is doing his best to get this home crowd going this evening, but it does not appear to be working. There is just no urgency about the performance with Valladolid allowed to enjoy possession in their own half. Another goal for the away side would certainly put the cat among the pigeons.
Better from the home side in the last couple of moments with Modric and Kaka both attempting to force the issue with balls into the box, but neither Benzema nor Ronaldo can make contact. Kaka does test Jaime after good work from Ronaldo, but the Valladolid stopper is on hand to make the save. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Madrid 1-1 Valladolid (Di Maria)
Madrid have their equaliser as Di Maria's effort is deflected into the back of the net by Valiente. Not too sure who will be given that goal. The attempt was certainly on target. It is against the run of play, but we are all level in Madrid.
CORRECTION: Madrid 1-1 Valladolid (Rukavina)
It has been indeed awarded to the Valladolid defender. It is a great ball from Di Maria, but the defender has made the final contact. Another free kick tests the Valladolid stopper moments later, but Jaime is on hand to deny Ronaldo from outside the box.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Madrid to take the lead as Pepe meets a corner from Modric, but Jaime is across to make a stunning save. That is fabulous from the Spanish stopper. Madrid have certainly upped the tempo in the last few minutes.
Rueda attempts to force the issue with a strike from outside the box, but it moves well wide of the target. You just get the feeling that the away side need to hold onto this draw until half time. Madrid have their tails up at the moment that is for certain. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining.
GOAL! Madrid 2-1 Valladolid (Ronaldo)
Madrid have their second of the match as Ronaldo flicks a Di Maria cross into the back of the net. Stunning touch from the Portuguese international. Well, Valladolid cannot hold on. Madrid are playing some really nice stuff at the moment.
GOAL! Madrid 2-2 Valladolid (Guerra)
It is raining goals in Spain! It's wonderful from Oscar as the Spaniard delivers a low cross towards Guerra, who simply cannot miss from close range. Lopez was once more left exposed by his defence. Four goals in the Spanish capital after 36 minutes.
Madrid come close to regaining the lead as Ronaldo strikes an effort from close range, but Jaime is on hand to make the save. Madrid have the ball in the back of the net moments later, but Benzema is ruled offside. Good grief what excitement. Little over five minutes of the half remaining.
Neither of Madrid's two goals brought any reaction from Mourinho, who continues to look uninterested. For me, that is the clearest sign that he will not be at the club next season. Madrid are in a real match this evening there is no question about that. I would be astounded if we did not see more goals in the second period.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third. Valladolid do force the issue with two corners into the Madrid box, but Lopez clears the first before claiming the second.
CROSSBAR! It's good work from Kaka as the Brazilian collects a pass from Modric before driving towards goal, but Ebert fells the midfielder. However, Ronaldo fires the resulting free kick against the crossbar. Wonderful technique from the forward.
HALF-TIME: Madrid 2-2 Valladolid
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 2-2. It was Valladolid that took the lead after eight minutes, but a Rukavina own goal and a Ronaldo header sent Madrid 2-1 ahead. Guerra was next on the scoresheet, however, as he levelled after 35 minutes. It has been an enthralling first period.
STATISTICS: Both sides have had 50% of the possession in the opening half, but Madrid have had 12 attempts to Valladolid's four. The home side might feel that they should be ahead at this stage of the match, but Valladolid have been worth a point that is for certain. It is so delicately poised ahead of the second period.
BENCH WATCH: The home side have a host of attacking options on the bench in the shape of Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata and Xabi Alonso. Meanwhile, Valladolid could call upon the likes of Manucho, Lluis Sastre, Bueno and Pena. There are certainly goals in that list of players.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval which is not too surprising based on what we have seen thus far. As it stands, Madrid would move seven points ahead of third-placed Atletico. Right, the home side get the half underway.
Let's hope that the second period brings as much action as the first. Valladolid have been the perfect demonstration of what can be achieved when you attack this Madrid defence, which is admittedly much-changed. Bright football from the home side in the opening two minutes of the half.
No sign of Valladolid attempting to sit back and defend as Guerra delivers a low cross into the box, with Omar and Oscar both making runs towards the far post. Kaka is involved down the other end moments later, but his cross towards Benzema was just too high for the Frenchman, before Khedira fires over moments later.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for the home side to take the lead as Modric bursts into the box before striking an effort from close range, but Jaime gets down well to make the save. Madrid continue to force the issue with Kaka, but his effort is over the bar.
GOAL! Madrid 3-2 Valladolid (Kaka)
Madrid regain the lead as Kaka collects a loose ball in the box before thumping an effort into the top corner. Jaime did get a hand on it, but it moves through his fingertips. I suspect that will not be the last of the goals this evening.
Valladolid force the issue immediately down the other end as Rukavina delivers a low cross into the box, but Pepe is across to make the clearance. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Ebert, but Lopez comes through a host of bodies to collect under pressure from Guerra.
Madrid are of course protecting a 28-match unbeaten league record at this stadium. Ronaldo attempts to continue that run as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving wide of the post. Wonderful entertainment here as Valladolid continue to commit numbers to each attack.
Madrid want a penalty as Rukavina appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. Replays have suggested that the incident might have occurred just outside the penalty area, but even so the referee does not make the decision. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining here.
Another half-chance for the home side as Benzema collects a pass from Kaka before striking an effort from close range, but Jaime is on hand to make a save. It is the type of match where each attack is bringing a clear chance on goal. Valladolid make their first change of the match, meanwhile, as Bueno replaces Omar.
Valladolid continue to offer a threat of their own as Bueno finds Oscar just outside the box, but the Spaniard can only curl his effort over the crossbar. Balenziaga delivers a low cross into the box moments later, but Carvalho makes the clearance. Still no movement on the Madrid bench with little under 30 minutes of football remaining.
Another half-chance for Madrid as Coentrao finds the head of Ronaldo in the box, but the Portuguese can only direct his effort over the crossbar. You just get the feeling that another goal for the home side would all but end Valladolid's chances of taking something from the match.
Mourinho continues to look uninterested on the sideline as he slumps in his seat. The Portuguese has got his trusty notebook in hand, but I have not seen him scribbling anything down. In truth, there has been no real tactics in this match from either side, just all out attacking, which has been wonderful entertaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in midfield. Meanwhile, it is the away supporters that continue to create a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. You just get the feeling that there are a couple of goals left in this match.
Another half-chance for the home side as Modric's free kick is met by Pepe, but his header just drops over the crossbar. Hang on, Madrid have just had a free kick outside the box and Ronaldo did not take it. What on earth is happening?! Little over 20 minutes of football remaining at the Bernabeu.
Double change for the home side, meanwhile, with Xabi Alonso and Mesut Ozil both entering the field in place of Kaka and Di Maria. Well, two world-class players replaced by two world-class players. Wonderful depth to this squad. Still the two changes remaining for Valladolid if Dukic should wish to alter proceedings. The chances have just dried up in the last few moments.
GOAL! Madrid 4-2 Valladolid (Ronaldo)
Wonderful from Ronaldo as the Portuguese rises in the box before thumping his header into the back of the net. Meanwhile, Madrid make their third change as Benzema is replaced by Higuain. Another disappointing evening for the Frenchman.
Valladolid also make their second change with Sastre entering the field in place Oscar. It is difficult to see the away side coming back from this position. Little over 15 minutes of football remaining. Still the Valladolid supporters make their voices heard.
It really is all one-way traffic at the moment with the home side forcing the issue, but Jaime is on hand to deny Ozil from close range. Bueno attempts to force the issue down the other end with a low pass towards Guerra, but Lopez is out to collect at the vital moment.
Not too much to report in the last few moments with both sides guilty of loose passing in the final third. Madrid are well on their way to picking up all three points, but neither their manager nor their supporters look too pleased about it. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in the Spanish capital.
Half-chance for Ebert as the German meets a cross from Guerra, but he could only direct his effort over the crossbar. Valladolid make their third change of the match moments later, meanwhile, as Manucho replaces Guerra. Surely the away side would be better served keeping two striker on the pitch?
Another half-chance for the home side as Ronaldo delivers a cross towards Higuain, but the Argentine just cannot make contact under pressure from Rukavina. You have to feel for Valladolid this evening, who have certainly come to play. That said, it has allowed Madrid a lot of space.
Valladolid force the issue down the other end with a long-range strike from Oscar, but Lopez is on hand to make the save. It falls nicely for Bueno, but once more the Madrid stopper quells the danger. More slack defending from the home side. Little over five minutes of football remaining.
Lopez is almost caught out by Oscar as the Valladolid midfielder thumps an effort from distance, but the Madrid stopper does manage to make the save. You cannot fault the desire of the away side this evening, but they have been undone by an impressive Madrid outfit. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
GOAL! Madrid 4-3 Valladolid (Sastre)
Oh my word. Stunning effort from Sastre as the Spaniard thumps a wonderful strike into the top corner. Even Lopez could not get anywhere near that one. Surely they cannot force another?
Half-chance for Ronaldo to add his third as he meets a corner from Modric, but his header is just wide of the target. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of stoppage time. Is there another goal in this match?
Not too much to report in the additional time with Madrid comfortable keeping possession of the ball. Higuain attempts to add a fifth from distance, but he is felled by Sastre in the act of shooting. Little under one minute of time remaining in the Spanish capital.
FULL-TIME: Madrid 4-3 Valladolid
So there we have it. Ronaldo scores twice as Madrid record a 4-3 win over Valladolid. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for action from Deportivo. Until then!
