The Estadio La Romareda, on Friday, September 6, opens its doors to host the Matchday 4 clash of LaLiga 2 between Real Zaragoza and Real Valladolid, two teams that started the new season in opposite fashion. The hosts are sitting at the bottom of the standings, having collected just one point in the first three rounds, while the visitors are near the top with seven points. The Blanquillos are coming off a goalless draw against Castellón, which at least allowed them to move the table after losing their first two matches. The feeling is that the squad, heavily revamped during the transfer window, still needs time to absorb Gabi’s football philosophy. After the first three matchdays, though, what matters now is securing the first win to gain confidence and climb away from the relegation zone into a safer position. On the other side, Real Valladolid are enjoying a much better atmosphere: Almada’s men remain unbeaten and currently sit in third place, just behind Racing Santander and Sporting Gijón, both perfect after three matches. With a win, the Pucelanos could climb even higher in the standings, strengthening their credentials as promotion contenders. After last season’s painful relegation, with just 16 total points in LaLiga 2024/25, Valladolid are eager to bounce back and aim for immediate promotion, just as they did in the 2021/22 and 2023/24 campaigns when they returned to the top flight right after being relegated. The start has been positive, but to achieve their ultimate goal they must minimize slip-ups, such as the recent 0-0 draw against Córdoba, and collect as many points as possible early in the campaign.

Real Zaragoza's recent form and key stats

Real Zaragoza’s start to the season has been far from reassuring, still winless after three league games. The Blanquillos have so far collected just one point, the result of two defeats against Real Sociedad B and Andorra, and a 1-1 draw away at Castellón.

In their first three outings, Gabi’s men have scored just 2 goals while conceding 5. The defense remains one of the main concerns for Gabi, who took charge of the team last March. Home advantage could play a decisive role against Real Valladolid: just one defeat in their last seven matches at the Estadio La Romareda (3 wins, 3 draws).

Real Valladolid's recent form and key stats

After winning their first two matches of the season against Ceuta and Castellón, Valladolid slowed down with a goalless home draw against Córdoba. In these opening rounds of the 2025/26 LaLiga 2 season, Almada’s side has shown great defensive solidity: zero goals conceded so far.

From an attacking perspective, they are still doing their job with an average of 1.33 goals per game despite the setback against Córdoba. Their away form, however, remains somewhat uncertain: this season they began with a 0-1 victory at Castellón after ending last season’s LaLiga campaign with 13 straight away defeats.

Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid prediction and tactical overview

The match between Real Zaragoza and Real Valladolid, valid for Matchday 4 of LaLiga 2 2025/26, promises to be a very balanced encounter. Both teams are chasing three points, but they will hardly risk exposing themselves to counterattacks, likely opting for a cautious approach.

For this reason, the game is expected to be played at a slow pace with few clear chances. Considering Valladolid’s excellent start compared to Zaragoza’s struggles, BetMines’ prediction points to a Double Chance X2 outcome. The feeling is that Guillermo Almada’s men have the extra quality, especially in defense, to leave Estadio La Romareda with at least a draw or even a win.

One of the players with the best chance to break the deadlock, thanks to his pace, is Amath N’Diaye, who already has 2 goals in the first three matches of the season.

• Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Prediction by BetMines: Double Chance X2 with 51% probability

Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid predicted lineups

REAL ZARAGOZA (5-4-1): A. Rodriguez; Serrano, Saidu, Insua, Radovanovic, Sebastian; Aketxe, Moya, Guti, Moyano; Soberon. Coach: Gabi

REAL VALLADOLID (4-2-3-1): Fernandes; Alejo, Tomeo, Torres, Bueno; Juric, Meseguer; Amath, Chuki, Biuk; Latasa. Coach: Guillermo Almada