Nacho likes going to Zorrilla

Nacho Fernandez has typically been a utility player during his time at Real Madrid, but curiously the versatile defender has always started when Los Blancos have faced Real Valladolid at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Ever since the 31-year-old became a regular member of the first-team squad in the 2012/13 campaign, starting away at Valladolid is a tradition that he has maintained.

It was in the 2012/13 season that Nacho made his first start at Zorrilla, as he played at left-back in a 3-2 win for Real Madrid. The following campaign he started at right-back in Valladolid, but on that occasion Los Blancos drew 1-1.

Then came Valladolid's relegation to the second division, but four seasons later, Los Pucelanos returned to the top flight and Nacho was once again named as a starter upon Real Madrid's first trip back there in 2018/19. On that day, he played at centre-back due to Sergio Ramos' suspension and Los Blancos won 4-1.

Last season, the 2019/20 campaign, saw Nacho play just 10 games in all competitions, but once again Zorrilla did not let him down: he started at right-back and became Real Madrid's hero, scoring the winning goal from Toni Kroos' cross.

Nacho will start at a very familiar ground on Saturday night when Real Madrid face Valladolid at Zorrilla, and he will be alongside Raphael Varane in the heart of defence.