Football Season Guide

Going unbeaten since March allowed yo-yo club Real Valladolid to secure promotion on the final day meant a return at the first time of asking, meaning they have been relegated or promoted in each of the last four seasons. There have been some high-profile departures, namely in veteran goalkeeper Jordi Masip, defender Sergio Escudero and midfielder Monchu. All three have experience in the first division and played a pivotal role last season, but will not be at Valladolid for the 2024/25 campaign. Despite that, it's true that the club moved early to secure several signings before the team started pre-season training, giving them time to settle in. Uruguayan coach Paulo Pezzolano continues to be hugely unpopular with fans, not aided by his mocking of fans in the promotion celebrations after the end of last season. That uncertainty could prove difficult for a club which has been put up for sale and then taken off the market again. This team's strength will come down the flanks, where the likes of Raul Moro, Stipe Buik and Amath Ndiaye will torment full-backs across LaLiga. Home form will be important for Valladolid given that they start the season with their first two away trips taking them to Real Madrid and Barcelona, in their hunt for survival.