Real Valladolid vs. Real Madrid: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview

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Real Madrid's focus returns to La Liga on Sunday, when they visit Real Valladolid seeking to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

Los Blancos go into this round of matches locked on points with Barcelona at the summit of La Liga. With their great rivals away at Valencia on Saturday, this gameweek may give Madrid a chance to edge ahead.

Valladolid will be seeking to spring a surprise in front of their own supporters, although they have struggled to get over the line in games as of late. They are unbeaten in their past three matches, albeit haven't won in La Liga in their past eight.

Here are the key details for the encounter and a preview of what's to come at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Odds

Valladolid: 61-10

Draw: 39-10

Real Madrid win: 21-50

Odds courtesy of Caesars.

Date: Sunday, January 26

Time: 8 p.m. (GMT), 3 p.m. (ET)

TV Info: La Liga TV (UK), beIN Sports (U.S.)

Live Stream: Premier Player (UK) beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)

Preview

Barcelona face their toughest test under new manager Quique Setien on Saturday at the Mestalla, which may open the door for Madrid to seize control of the title race.

Manager Zinedine Zidane has overseen some encouraging progress from his side as of late, as they have built momentum despite a number of injury issues. The La Liga Twitter account provided the numbers behind what is turning into an encouraging campaign for Madrid:

LaLiga @LaLigaEN

⚽️ 38 GOALS
🏹 268 SHOTS
🎩 1 ZIDANE

💜👀 An outlook on how @realmadriden are performing this season in #LaLigaSantander. 👀💜 https://t.co/AfPN57q7vk

With Karim Benzema only just returning from a layoff and Eden Hazard still sidelined, Madrid have had to rely on other players to step up in an attacking sense. Last time out, it was Casemiro who shone, netting twice in a 2-1 win over Sevilla:

Premier Sports 📺 @PremierSportsTV

🇪🇸 LaLiga Player of the Week…

🥁🥁🥁

⚪ Real Madrid's @Casemiro 👏

The Brazilian midfielder had himself a DAY:

👉 85% Passing completion
👉 4 Shots
👉 2 Goals https://t.co/QG41PUWIn3

Per OptaJose, it was the first time the Brazilian midfielder had scored twice in a game for Los Blancos:

OptaJose @OptaJose

1 – Casemiro has scored his first brace as Real Madrid player. Premier. https://t.co/9YnyVw68Qx

At the back, the team have been able to shore up too, even without injured captain Sergio Ramos. Much of that is due to the improved form of Thibaut Courtois. The Belgium international struggled last year after his £35 million move from Chelsea. However, he's been a much more settled presence at the Santiago Bernabeu this term and is making crucial saves for his side.

Bleacher Report's Gianni Verschueren is pleased to see the goalkeeper performing well:

Gianni Verschueren @ReverschPass

I know he won't care one bit, but after all the constant abuse Thibaut Courtois has gotten from Chelsea fans over his (very poorly executed) exit, watching him thrive while the Blues have to deal with, well, this, feels pretty good

There appears to be a burgeoning team spirit too. Having toiled this season, summer acquisition Luka Jovic made a crucial assist against Sevilla, and Casemiro was keen for him to get some recognition:

ESPN FC @ESPNFC

Knowing he was low on confidence, Casemiro asked Real Madrid fans to show some love for Luka Jovic's back-heel assist ❤️ https://t.co/6pRkIXqEPB

Madrid will be confident on Sunday, especially given Valladolid are struggling to hit top gear.

Following an impressive win away to Real Betis to start the campaign, manager Sergio has watched his team falter since, with just three league wins picked up since. Going into Matchday 21, they are six points clear of the relegation zone, but they will be wary of seeing that gap shrink any further.

While there will be a hostile atmosphere on Sunday and an undoubtedly motivated set of Valladolid players, it's a huge ask for them to halt an improving Madrid team. Expect the visitors to do a professional job to pick up the three points.

Prediction: Valladolid 0-2 Real Madrid