Real Madrid begin their end of season run-in against Real Valladolid on Sunday knowing only a major collapse from Barcelona will let them back into contention in La Liga’s title race.

Los Blancos lost to their Clasico rivals before the international break to fall 12 points behind Barça, with the Copa del Rey and Champions League now their biggest opportunities to win trophies this season.

Valladolid are down in 16th, two points above the relegation zone, and are struggling for form with only one win of their last six La Liga games.

Here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s game.

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Real Madrid vs Real Valladolid H2H Results (Last Five Games)

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Current La Liga Form (Last Five Games)

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Real Madrid team news

There had been fears over Thibaut Courtois‘ fitness after he withdrew from the Belgium’s squad during the international break but he is expected to take to the Bernabeu turf here.

Ferland Mendy recently picked up a muscle issue in his left calf, so Eder Militao will partner Antonio Rudiger in central defence with David Alaba out wide. Utility man Nacho Fernandez is suspended.

Toni Kroos picked up an injury against Barcelona and may be rested here with bigger and tougher games on the horizon.

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Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Modric, Tchouameni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Benzema, Vinicius.

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Real Valladolid team news

Anuar Tuhami is sidelined with a knee injury, while Selim Amallah, Jordi Masip and Darwin Machis will also miss out. Javi Sanchez is suspended and there are fitness doubts hanging over Kenedy.

Machis in particular is a big miss for Valladolid, having created the most big chances (four) for the club owned by Brazil legend Ronaldo.

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Real Valladolid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Asenjo; Fresneda, Fernandez, El Yamiq, Olaza; Aguado, Sanchez, Monchu; Plata, Larin, Plano.

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Real Madrid’s dreams of a third league title in four seasons all but ended with defeat to Barcelona before the break but Carlo Ancelotti cannot allow his side to slide any further down the table than second.

A slip-up isn’t expected on Sunday, with Los Blancos boasting a strong advantage in the head to head record between the two sides.

It’s pretty much a free hit for Valladolid, but they’ll more than likely head home from Spain’s capital without any points.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2-0 Real Valladolid