Real Valladolid, the club owned by Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, has suffered relegation from La Liga once again following a crushing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Real Betis on Thursday.
This marks the third time in seven seasons that Valladolid has dropped to the second tier under Ronaldo’s ownership.
Reports suggested that the former striker is now in talks to sell the club, amid growing discontent from fans who accuse him of neglecting the team and being largely absent from its affairs.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the table, Valladolid has endured a dismal run, losing 13 of its last 14 matches and holding a dire goal difference of minus 57.
“We can’t make up excuses,” coach Alvaro Rubio admitted. “We didn’t play up to the level of the first division. We have to take responsibility and accept that we didn’t do things well. We have to try to get back up and finish the season with dignity.”
The club previously went down after the 2020-21 and 2022-23 campaigns but managed to bounce back to the top flight on both occasions.
Isco was among the goal scorers for Betis, who climbed to fifth place in the standings with their second consecutive win.
Elsewhere in La Liga
Leganes, second from bottom, managed to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Girona with a last-gasp equalizer from Munir El Haddadi.
The team had been reduced to ten men as early as the 19th minute. Despite the point, Leganes remains four behind Alaves, who sit just above the relegation zone. Girona currently occupies 16th place.
Meanwhile, Sevilla’s struggles continued as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to eighth-placed Osasuna, who capitalized on a one-man advantage from the 32nd minute.
Osasuna extended their winning streak to three matches following a nine-game drought, while Sevilla remains winless in their last six and holds 15th spot on the table.
