2025 began for Real Valladolid in the same way that 2024 ended, conceding three goals and showing the worst possible performance of a team that is supposed to be in the elite of Spanish football. Under the direction of Diego Cocca, the Pucelanos exhibited alarming signs of inferiority and apathy in both parties. Whether it was against the European team Girona or against the humble Ourense, each rival managed to score against this Pucela, and each one took the three points. The Argentine coach, who works tirelessly waiting for reinforcements to save the Blanquivioleta team, must fight against this overwhelming feeling, although he could well ask for divine intervention. The fans experience all this with a mixture of perplexity and discontent, and they will demonstrate it this afternoon at 4:15 p.m. in the duel against Betis, who also urgently need the three points to keep their European hopes alive (follow the match live on As.com).
The feeling of instability and abandonment that surrounds the club does not help at all. With Ronaldo Nazário, the main shareholder and president, looking to sell and move away from the club, and with a strangely delicate financial situation, Real Valladolid is one step away from selling its best player, Raúl Moro, in this winter market to Ajax. This possible transaction, together with the winger’s knee problems, complicates the expectation that he would be able to play in the crucial match against Betis – a vital clash for those who still dream of salvation. Finishing the first half of the season with 12 points is not the same as finishing with 15. Both numbers are low, but they could outline the paths of hope and despair.
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Diego Cocca doesn’t reveal much about his plans for the team, other than his goal of achieving a “balance” that provides an identity. In simpler terms, it seeks for the team to defend cohesively (they are currently the team that concedes the most goals in the league) and attack in the same way (the Pucelanos are the second least scoring team) without fragmenting. It will be interesting to see how the Argentine navigates the situation with the injured players, those looking to leave and those the club wants to get rid of. The first point of uncertainty lies in goal, as Hein returned to play in the cup only to be injured again. His participation in the knockout tournament could open the door for André Ferreira to enter the starting eleven. There are also doubts regarding the presence of Juric, due to injury, and Moro, who is struggling and about to leave. This leaves the coach with few options on the wing, where, at least for now, Machis and Kenedy are unavailable. Juma and Javi Sánchez return to reinforce the center of the defense. With the potential departure of Moro, the Sierra Leonean will become the main pillar, the greatest hope for the Pucelanos.
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On the other hand, Betis is eager to cling to the European zone and must continue fighting against its rivals in this farewell to the first half of the season. They head to an away game, where they have only won two of their nine games, although they arrive with better feelings after the victories against Villarreal in the league and Huesca in the cup, both away from Villamarín.
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Pellegrini will field his best eleven, with Isco and Lo Celso at the helm, without overlooking their next clash against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey next week. The return of Bartra reinforces the defense while the club waits for Vitor Roque to sharpen his aim, a significant lack for the green and white team. All of this is happening while Rui Silva, Betis’ starting goalkeeper, heads to Lisbon to sign with Sporting.
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