Pucela face Granada in Marbella contest

Granada provide the opponents for tonight’s preseason fixture; the first of two the team will play at the Marbella Football Center.

24 players made the trip south to Andalucía, but the most notable absence is that of Fernando Calero. The defender is listed on team social media as being injured, but it is expected he will depart the club in the next few days.

The last time Real Valladolid and Granada met was in Liga 123 in the 2017/18 season. They split their fixtures with one win apiece. In September 2017, Real Valladolid recorded a 2-1 win with goals from Juan Mata and Giannis Gianniotas while Granada replied with a goal five minutes from time by Pedro. In the return contest, in February 2018, a Darwin Machís goal was enough to separate the sides at the Nuevo Los Cármenes.

Granada are led by coach Diego Martínez, the youngest in La Liga this year at 38-years-old. He took over in June 2018 and led the side to promotion last season with a second-placed finish.

They have been extremely active in the summer transfer window. Notable signings include securing the permanent services of midfielder Fede Vico from Léganes after he had spent last year on loan at the club, as well as experienced former Valencia, Osasuna and Villrreal striker Roberto Soldado from Fenerbache. In addition to these captures, they have also bagged the Venezuelan pair of defensive-midfielder Yangel Herrera (on-loan from Manchester City) and forward Darwin Machís who returns for his second spell at the club having made over 40 appearances for the senior side between 2012-18. He joins from Udinese, having spent last season on loan in Liga 123 at Cádiz.

Kick-off is at 18:30 GMT.