An exciting title race beckons in La Liga, with Real Madrid returning to the top of the division after Atletico slipped away at Leganes.
While Barcelona is a few points behind, Hansi Flick's team has shown in both Clasico The victories this season that their peak is untouchable. We are set for a three-horse race.
Despite their humiliating loss in the Supercopa final, Madrid have enjoyed a productive start to 2025 in several competitions. They enjoyed a good week of work heading into Saturday's trip to Real Valladolid, with Madrid hammering RB Salzburg 5-1 on Wednesday after they blew away Las Palmas 4-1.
The league leaders will be looking to pile the pressure on their title rivals when they take on the league's bottom dwellers this weekend. Carlo Ancelotti can choose his team here MadridThe trip to Valladolid.
GK: Thibaut Courtois – There is a disappointing lack of clean sheets for Courtois, who will start between the sticks again this weekend.
RB: Lucas Vazquez – The Madrid stalwart was suspended for Wednesday's 5-1 win, earning him some rest, so he is a shoo-in to return to Ancelotti's side here.
CB: RAUL RED – There is a lot of buzz in Madrid's quarters surrounding young defender ASENCIO, who deserves to keep his place in the team.
CB: Antonio Rudiger – David Alaba will continue to be relieved on Saturday, and a start is surely not far around the corner. However, Ancelotti is ready to retain the ever-present Rudiger against La Liga's joint attack.
LB: Ferland Mendy – Fran Garcia has proven himself to be a capable deputy who can be relied upon when Mendy needs a rest. But the French left-back should be good to go again on Saturday despite playing 90 minutes on Wednesday.
CM: Federico Valverde – Ancelotti's Swiss Army knife was used on the right in midweek with Vazquez suspended. With the Spaniard eligible to return, Valverde is a safe bet to return to a more familiar role.
CM: Tchoameni Auremen – The Frenchman is dealing with a minor injury and he missed Wednesday's game as a result. However, there is hope that TchouaMeni will be fit to feature this weekend with compatriot Eduardo Camavinga sidelined.
CM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham played a key role in Madrid's Harlem Globetrotter-like performance against Salzburg on Wednesday. He didn't get on the score sheet, but the Englishman's assist for Rodrygo's second goal more than made up for it.
RW: Brahim Diaz – There will be a reshuffle in attack with Vinicius Junior suspended. Ancelotti has Brahim and Arda Guler to choose from, with the former seemingly ahead of the latter in the pecking order.
ST: Kylian Mbappe – Mbappe scored for the fourth game on Wednesday, with the forward no doubt looking at more ease in the Spanish capital at the start of 2025. He is set in After a rocky start and will look to lead the Madrid Tilt title.
LW: Rodrygo – The Brazilian loves some form, and Rodrygo has scored seven in his previous eight appearances. With Vinicius out, he will get a shot to shine on the left.