Real Madrid survive early frights to see off Solari with win over Real Valladolid

It was the end of an era, albeit a short one at just 133 days, as Real Madrid ran out victors over Real Valladolid on Sunday evening in what would prove to be Santiago Solaris final game in charge, up against the same opposition that he had made his La Liga debut against.

His side suffered some early scares, with two Valladolid strikes ruled out by VAR whilst Ruben Alcaraz also sent a penalty into row Z early on. Anuar deservedly opened the scoring for the hosts just before the break, but it lasted just five minutes before Raphael Varane found an equaliser.

A second half brace from Karim Benzema, including one from the penalty spot, and a late finish from Luka Modric sealed the three points. There was an added twist late on, as Casemiro saw red for the first time as a Real Madrid player, picking up a foolish second booking for time wasting.

Now in charge, Zinedine Zidane will have been watching to see what needs to be changed. Our tactical analysis will use statistics to identify what key points Real Madrids new boss can take from the game.

Lineups

With Isco excluded amid disciplinary proceedings, and with Gareth Bale, Lucas Vazquez and Vinicius Junior out injured, Solari was forced to improvise, fielding Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos on either flank. Nacho replaced the suspended Sergio Ramos in defence whilst Alvaro Odriozola also made a rare start at right-back.

An atrocious start

Right from the off, Real Madrid looked off the pace. It may not be a surprise given the devastation of elimination from the Champions League to Ajax in midweek, but the shaky defensive nature of Los Blancos not only allowed a disallowed goal, but also a conceded penalty and 1.5 xG against them within the opening half an hour. Real Valladolid continually went back to basics, averaging a long ball every two minutes as they targeted Real Madrids defence by getting in behind with long balls over the top.

The game plan