Real Leapfrog Barca Into Top Spot
27 January, 2020
LaLiga
Result: Real Valladolid 0-1 Real Madrid
Date: 26 January 2020
Venue: Estadio Municipal José Zorrilla
Real Madrid ended the weekend three points clear of FC Barcelona at the summit of LaLiga after defeating Real Valladolid on Sunday night.
Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane made four changes to the side that beat Sevilla, as Sergio Ramos, Ferland Mendy and Isco were recalled alongside Nacho.
Madrid thought they found the opener in the 12th minute after Casemiro headed home Toni Kroos' free-kick, but their celebrations were halted as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) spotted an offside and the goal was chalked off.
Valladolid were weathering the storm after that with the visitors whipping long balls inside the dangerous area but they could not carve out clear openings.
The hosts were growing in the match after half-an-hour, going forward with quick attacks but they were unable to trouble Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Los Blancos were forceful after the break as Rodrygo came close to breaking the deadlock five minutes into the second stanza with a left-footed strike that was saved by Valladolid goalkeeper Jordi Masip.
Madrid had good chance to find the breakthrough with a free-kick on the outside line of the 18-yard box but Isco curled his effort just over the bar.
With 12 minutes remaining in the second half, Los Blancos finally broke the deadlock after Nacho glanced home a header towards the far post from Kroos' cross.
Valladolid piled on the pressure in the closing minutes and Sergi Guardiola found the back of the net in the last three minutes with a strike at the far post but the goal was ruled out for offside after the VAR review.
In the end, Zinedine Zidane's troops were able to hold on to secure victory, which sees the side move three points clear of the defending league champions.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za