Ronaldo's Real Valladolid relegated from LaLiga after Betis rout
Enzo Maresca labels Cole Palmer goal drought 'a mental thing'

Real Valladolid, coached by Ronaldo, was relegated from the LaLiga following Betis's defeat. After a dramatic final day of the 2022–23 season, the Spanish football team Real Valladolid, which is majority-owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário, has been relegated from LaLiga. Despite a last-ditch push to avoid the drop, a goalless draw against Getafe — coupled with Real Betis’ convincing 2-1 win over Valencia — sealed their fate.
For the club, which had spent much of the season just above the relegation zone, the outcome was a bitter end to a tense season. Valladolid's fate was no longer entirely in their hands, and as news of Betis' dominant display filtered through the stadium, the atmosphere at Estadio José Zorrilla turned somber.
Ronaldo is dealt a crushing blow. This relegation is a big setback for Ronaldo, who bought a controlling stake in Real Valladolid in 2018 with the goal of making the team a stable team in the top division. His ownership brought international attention and renewed hope to fans. However, the team's fall to the Segunda División serves as a stark illustration of the harsh nature of Spanish football. Speaking after the match, Ronaldo expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic:"It’s a sad day, but we must stay united. Our project is still going strong, and the club has a long-term vision. We will work to come back stronger."

What Did Not Work? Inconsistency was the root cause of Valladolid's difficulties this season. While they managed impressive wins — including a 3-1 victory over Barcelona in May — those moments were overshadowed by a lack of cohesion in defense and frequent changes in management.
The final stretch of the season saw them lose four consecutive games before picking up just two points in their last two matches — not enough to climb out of danger.
Paulo Pezzolano, who took over in April, tried to give the team new life, but time was against him. Although the team lacked the finishing power to turn draws into victories when it mattered most, his strategies showed promise. A Common Struggle This is not the first time Valladolid has faced relegation under Ronaldo’s watch. After the club dropped to the second tier in 2021, they bounced back immediately, earning promotion in the 2021–22 season. The hope was that they had learned from their past mistakes, but history repeated itself.
In order to avoid becoming a "yo-yo" club that alternates between divisions on a regular basis, many fans are now pondering whether it is necessary to make more substantial changes, such as in player development and recruitment. What is Valladolid's Future? The challenge now is to regroup. The Segunda División is a tough league, filled with hungry teams looking for promotion. It will be essential to retain key players and maintain morale. It’s likely that some top talents will leave in search of LaLiga football, while others may stay to help fight for promotion.
The club will suffer financially as a result of the drop, despite Ronaldo's prior emphasis on sustainability in his management style. Revenue from television rights will decline, but parachute payments from LaLiga will provide short-term cushioning.
For the Fans
For Valladolid supporters, the relegation is painful. Fans had hoped that Ronaldo's involvement would usher in a new era of stability and success for the club, which has a long history dating back to its founding in 1928. They are forced to watch their team start over once more. A show of loyalty from a fan base that remains deeply committed to its club even in difficult times, the final whistle was met with a mixture of frustration and applause despite the heartbreak. Conclusion
For the club and its ambitious owner, Real Valladolid's relegation from LaLiga is a sobering moment. Football is still a game of margins, despite the talent behind the scenes, and Valladolid came up short this season. As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to rebuilding, rethinking, and returning stronger. Right away, the way back to the top begins.



Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.