Toni Abad ↑46′ · Yann Bodiger ↑46′ · Jordi Escobar ↑64′ · Omar Sadik ↑64′ · Pedro Lopez · Joaquin · Umaru Konare · Adri Rueda · Dani Mas · Kenneth Obinna Mamah · Anuar
Coach · Jose Juan Romero
Match Preview
AD Ceuta FC vs Real Valladolid Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-09-18 14:42 UTC
Ceuta look to turn the tide against Valladolid at the Alfonso Murube
Kuki Zalazar stands at the heart of AD Ceuta FC’s creative ambitions as they prepare to host Real Valladolid this Sunday. With his ability to dictate play from midfield, Zalazar will be expected to shoulder the burden of sparking a turnaround for a home side desperate to find their rhythm in the early stages of the LaLiga2 season.
The search for a breakthrough
AD Ceuta FC enter this match under significant pressure, as they continue to hunt for their first points of the campaign. Playing at the Estadio Alfonso Murube, the hosts are looking to harness the energy of their home crowd to overcome a difficult start. With a stretch of home matches ahead, the team is under clear instructions to make their local advantage count before the table begins to take a more permanent shape.
Expected lineups and personnel challenges
For the hosts, Pedro Lopez is expected to start in goal, protected by a defensive line featuring Carlos Hernandez and Carlos Redruello. In midfield, the presence of Yann Bodiger and Alejandro Camacho will be vital to balancing the side, while Umaru Konare leads the line. The team will have to manage without Anuar, who remains sidelined due to injury.
Real Valladolid arrive with their own selection concerns, most notably the absence of the suspended Mathis Lachuer and the injured Thiago Ojeda. Alvaro Aceves is expected to start between the sticks, with a defensive unit including Carlos Clerc and David Torres. Coach Fran Escribá has indicated that Miguel Rubio will travel with the squad, providing a potential boost as they look to secure a result that would move them into a more comfortable position in the standings.
Historical context and recent form
Recent history has favoured the visitors, with Real Valladolid securing a 3-0 victory in both of their previous meetings against Ceuta in LaLiga2. Valladolid’s form has been inconsistent, highlighted by a recent 1-0 win over FC Andorra followed by a 3-0 defeat to Real Oviedo. Ceuta, meanwhile, are looking to move past a challenging run of results that has seen them struggle to contain opponents, particularly in the closing stages of their recent matches.
Travel logistics and tactical outlook
Real Valladolid face a demanding journey to reach the venue, involving a combination of bus, high-speed rail, and ferry travel. While manager Fran Escribá has suggested that such logistics are simply part of the challenge, the physical toll of the trip could play a role in the tempo of the match. Tactical expectations point toward a cagey, cautious affair, with both sides likely to prioritize defensive stability as they look to avoid early mistakes in a high-stakes encounter.
Real Valladolid
4-4-2
● Confirmed
9
⚽↓82′
Latasa
19
↓70′
Arnu
7
↓89′
Chacon
21
↓70′
Ponceau
24
Juric
30
↓70′
Fernandez
27
Garriel
4
Torres
12
Rubio
14
Alejo
1
Aceves
Bench (17)
Yeray Cabanzon ↑70′ · Alex Balboa ↑70′ · Kaj de Rooij ↑70′ · Robin van Duiven ↑82′ · Pablo Tomeo ↑89′ · Trilli · Ramon Martinez · Victor Barbera · Carlos Clerc · Tay Abed · Lucas Lavagnino · Marcos Parriego · Mathis Lachuer · Guille Bueno · Miguel Rubio · Dani Perez · Thiago Ojeda
Coach · Fran Escriba
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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