A second half header from Casemiro and an excellent goalkeeping from Courtois lifted real Madrid to an important 1-0 win against Valladolid on Saturday.

Casemiro did well to meet the ball when Toni Kroos displays his great technique and produces a beautiful lofted cross deep into the box but saves from Thibaut Courtois helps the team to depart with the 3 points.

Zinedine Zidane included Mariano Diaz in attacking alongside Vinicius and Ascensio while Vasquez played from right back as Dani Carvajal and striker Karim Benzima have joined the long injury list.

Zidane in the 66th minute substituted all the attacking line Mariano, Ascensio, Vinicius with Duro Hugo, Arribas and Isco respectively.

Arribas could have made it two for Real after he was brought in but the youngster failed to connect with the deep cross from Mendy.

Earlier that day, the league leaders Atletico loss 2-0 against levante at the Wanda Metropolitano. The loss reduced their lead to 3 points above the Los Blancos.

With the derby in two weeks, Madrid now regains hope in the title race after being on the verge of giving up.