Ronaldo’s Real Valladolid relegated from LaLiga after Betis rout
Real Valladolid, the team owned by former Brazil striker Ronaldo, were relegated from LaLiga after a 5-1 loss at Real Betis on Thursday.
It is the third relegation in seven years for Valladolid under Ronaldo, who is reportedly negotiating the sale of the club. The Brazil great has been loudly criticized by Valladolid’s fans, who say he has been absent and doesn’t give enough attention to the club.
Last-place Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches and their goal differential is at negative 57.
“We can’t make up excuses,” coach Álvaro Rubio said. “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.”
Valladolid were also relegated after the 2020-21 season and after the 2022-23 season. They immediately returned to the first division both times.
Isco was among the scorers for Betis, who moved to fifth place with their second straight victory.
Second-to-last-place Leganés salvaged a 1-1 draw against Girona thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Munir El Haddadi.
Leganés, who played a man down from the 19th minute, are four points behind Alavés, the first team outside the demotion zone. Girona were in 16th place.
Sevilla stayed in 15th place after losing 1-0 at eighth-place Osasuna, who played with an extra man from the 32nd minute. Osasuna have won three in a row after going winless in nine consecutive games. Sevilla haven’t won in six matches.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
