Atletico Madrid vs Real Valladolid

Underperforming La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid welcome relegation-battling Real Valladolid to the Metropolitano Stadium.

Atletico Madrid eased past second-tier Levante 2-0 in midweek Copa del Rey action, booking their place in the competition’s quarterfinals, but things are not going their way in La Liga. ‘Los Rojiblancos’ could only manage a disappointing 1-1 draw at newly-promoted Almeria last time out, the fifth time they failed to capture three points in six league matches (W1, D2, L3). Atletico’s underwhelming La Liga form has reignited rumors linking long-serving boss Diego Simeone with a dismissal, putting pressure on the top-four hopefuls to post a fourth consecutive top-flight victory over Valladolid. Indeed, ‘Los Colchoneros’ have had Valladolid’s number over the past decade, winning six straight La Liga home H2Hs since a 2-1 loss in 2009.

On the other hand, visiting Valladolid have lost all three La Liga outings since the top-flight resumption in December without scoring, which was the case in their final league game ahead of the World Cup break – a 3-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao. Though they’ve never lost five La Liga games ‘to nil’ in a row, it’s hard to picture ‘Los Pucelanos’ avoiding that feat at the Metropolitano Stadium. They’ve lost their last four top-flight visits to Atletico by an aggregate score of 4-0. On a more positive note, Pacheta’s men have been victorious on their two most recent La Liga trips to Madrid. A lack of the ‘bounce back’ ability has seen Valladolid lose all six away league games in which they’ve conceded first this season, highlighting the significance of opening the scoring.