Real Valladolid Relegated from LaLiga After Heavy Loss at Real Betis
According to a report from ESPN, Real Valladolid, the team owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo, has been relegated from LaLiga after a 5-1 loss at Real Betis on Thursday. This marks the third relegation in seven years for Valladolid under Ronaldo’s ownership, who is reportedly negotiating the sale of the club.
The Brazil great has faced heavy criticism from Valladolid’s fans, who claim he has been absent and doesn’t give enough attention to the club. The team’s struggles on the pitch have been evident, with Valladolid losing 13 of their last 14 matches and boasting a goal differential of negative 57. As ESPN notes, "Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches and their goal differential is at negative 57."
The heavy loss capped a tumultuous season for Valladolid, which saw two managerial sackings — Diego Cocca and Paulo Pezzolano — before former Valladolid player Álvaro Rubio took over in February. Rubio expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, saying, "We can’t make up excuses. We didn’t play up to the level of the first division. We have to take responsibility and accept that we didn’t do things well. We have to try to get back up and finish the season with dignity," as reported by ESPN.
Valladolid were also relegated after the 2020-21 season and after the 2022-23 season, but they immediately returned to the first division both times. The team’s relegation has also had an impact on the league standings, with Real Betis moving to fifth place with their second straight victory. Isco was among the scorers for Betis.
Two relegation spots remain to be decided, with second-to-last-place Leganés salvaging a 1-1 draw against Girona on Thursday thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Munir El Haddadi. Leganés, who played a man down from the 19th minute, are two points behind 18th-placed Las Palmas and four points adrift of Alavés, the first team outside the demotion zone.
In other matches, Sevilla stayed in 15th place after losing 1-0 at eighth-place Osasuna, who played with an extra man from the 32nd minute. Osasuna have won three in a row after going winless in nine consecutive games. Sevilla haven’t won in six matches.
As cited in the original ESPN report, information from The Associated Press and Reuters was used in compiling this article. The report also noted that Valladolid’s relegation has significant implications for the team’s future, particularly with Ronaldo reportedly negotiating the sale of the club.
The season is set to conclude with Valladolid looking to salvage some pride and attempt to secure a swift return to LaLiga. However, with two relegation spots still up for grabs, other teams will be fighting to avoid a similar fate. As ESPN reports, the situation remains tense for those teams battling relegation.
