La Liga Matchday 12 Preview: Real Madrid Can't Rely Solely on Bellingham, Valencia Expecting Offensive Breakthrough

The 12th round of La Liga continued on November 5th, with Real Madrid maintaining their top position thanks to Jude Bellingham's scorching form. However, Bellingham cannot be the savior in every match. Against smaller teams, other attacking players need to step up. Valencia, known for their average attacking prowess, faced Granada, a team with a weak defense, hoping for a fruitful outing.

Real Madrid vs. Rayo Vallecano: Will Bellingham's Role Shift Forward?

Bellingham’s Real Madrid defended their top position in the previous round’s El Clásico. Despite a poor first-half performance and conceding a goal due to a defensive blunder, Real Madrid turned the match around in the last 20 minutes of the second half, thanks to two goals from Bellingham. Since his arrival at Madrid, Bellingham has quickly become a pivotal player, reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo's importance to the team. It’s fair to say this is Bellingham's Real Madrid now.

Previously, whether at Borussia Dortmund or with the England national team, Bellingham played a deeper midfield role. However, at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has unleashed his attacking potential. In the recent El Clásico, Bellingham first scored a stunning long-range strike to equalize and then netted the winning goal with a poacher’s finish in the style of Benzema. If this continues, Ancelotti might transform him into an outright striker.

Although the Premier League is considered the best league in the world, it’s rare for an English player abroad to become the central figure of a major club like Bellingham has at Real Madrid. English fans should temper their excitement, though, as national team coach Gareth Southgate might not get the best out of Bellingham like Ancelotti does. Next summer could see a battle between Brazil, England, and Real Madrid for Ancelotti’s services.

Rayo Vallecano, also from Madrid, has had a promising start to the season, currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak, although they have only won two of those matches. For a smaller club, this is quite an achievement. In their previous match against last season’s top-four side Real Sociedad, Rayo displayed great resilience, capitalizing on their opponent’s Champions League fatigue and scoring an equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time.

Rayo has beaten Real Madrid at home in both 2019 and last season. Though this round's match is away, their knack for exploiting tired opponents could spell trouble for a Real Madrid team heavily reliant on Bellingham. This match could end in a 1-1 draw.

Valencia vs. Granada: Second Division Champions No Longer Shine

Valencia continues to battle in the middle of the table this season. In their last match against European qualification contenders Athletic Bilbao, Valencia nearly completed a comeback but were denied in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Bilbao’s towering forward, Raúl García, wreaked havoc in Valencia’s penalty area, earning ten corners for his team, the most Valencia has conceded in a single match this season. It seems high-ball tactics work well against Valencia.

Granada, last season’s Segunda División champions, have struggled since returning to La Liga, currently languishing in the relegation zone. Only a victory this round offers them hope of climbing out of danger. This season, Granada has been an attack-oriented but defensively weak team. Only six teams in La Liga have scored more goals, but their frail defense often costs them points. They have conceded only fewer goals than bottom-placed Almería.

Even at their peak, Valencia were not known for their attacking prowess. However, facing a Granada team with such defensive vulnerabilities, Valencia should be delighted. They are expected to secure a 2-0 victory over Granada.

Real Madrid's Reliance on Bellingham: A Cause for Concern

Jude Bellingham has been nothing short of sensational for Real Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has quickly made him indispensable. Bellingham’s versatility and knack for scoring have seen him transition from a deep-lying playmaker to a more advanced attacking role under Ancelotti. His performances have drawn comparisons to some of Real Madrid’s greats, and his goals in the El Clásico solidified his status as the team’s new talisman.

However, relying too heavily on a single player poses risks. Football is inherently unpredictable, and relying on one player to consistently deliver can backfire. Other Real Madrid attackers must step up to share the goal-scoring burden. Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Joselu must contribute more consistently to ensure the team doesn't become one-dimensional.

Moreover, Bellingham's unique role at Real Madrid might not translate seamlessly to the England national team. Gareth Southgate must find a way to utilize Bellingham's strengths effectively, which might not be straightforward given the differences in playing style and team dynamics.

Valencia's Opportunity Against a Weak Granada

Valencia’s season has been a mixed bag. Despite showing resilience and fighting spirit, they often fall short in crucial moments. Their recent match against Athletic Bilbao highlighted their vulnerabilities, particularly against aerial threats. Raúl García’s dominance in the air exposed Valencia’s defensive frailties, and they must address this issue to improve their standings.

Facing Granada presents an opportunity for Valencia to capitalize on their opponent’s weaknesses. Granada’s defense has been leaky all season, providing an excellent chance for Valencia’s forwards to shine. While Valencia has not been prolific in attack, the likes of Hugo Duro and André Almeida will look to exploit Granada’s defensive lapses.

Granada’s struggles since their return to La Liga are evident. Their inability to defend effectively has left them in the relegation zone, and they must tighten up defensively to have any hope of survival. However, facing a Valencia side eager to bounce back might prove too challenging for them.

The Broader Implications for Real Madrid and Valencia

Real Madrid’s reliance on Bellingham highlights a broader issue within the squad. While Bellingham’s brilliance has masked some of the team’s shortcomings, it’s crucial for Ancelotti to find a more balanced approach. Integrating other attacking players and diversifying the team’s offensive strategies will be vital for sustained success. The upcoming matches will test Real Madrid’s depth and adaptability.

For Valencia, consistency is key. They have shown glimpses of their potential but need to convert these into regular performances. Addressing their defensive vulnerabilities and finding a reliable goal scorer will be crucial. The match against Granada offers a perfect opportunity to gain confidence and momentum.

Looking Ahead: Key Matches and Predictions

The next rounds of La Liga will be crucial for both Real Madrid and Valencia. Real Madrid’s clash with Rayo Vallecano will test their resilience and reliance on Bellingham. A balanced team effort will be necessary to secure victory. Predicting a 1-1 draw reflects the potential struggle if Real Madrid remains overly dependent on Bellingham.

Valencia’s match against Granada is a must-win. Exploiting Granada’s defensive issues is critical, and a 2-0 victory for Valencia seems a plausible outcome. This match could be a turning point for Valencia, helping them climb the table and gain confidence for future challenges.

La Liga’s 12th round brings intriguing matchups and narratives. Real Madrid must diversify their attacking options to avoid over-reliance on Bellingham, while Valencia seeks to capitalize on Granada’s defensive woes. Both teams have clear objectives and challenges ahead. The outcomes of these matches will significantly impact their respective campaigns, making this round of fixtures one to watch closely.