Granada CF claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win over Real Valladolid CF in the Spanish Segunda Division on Saturday night, using a late goal to settle a contest that swung back and forth at the Nuevo Los Cármenes. The three points strengthen Granada’s push toward the promotion places and leave Valladolid reflecting on another away performance that promised more than it delivered.

Match overview

Granada began with purpose, pressing high and forcing Valladolid into hurried clearances. The home side’s reward arrived in the 17th minute when Diego Collado cut in from the left and curled a low shot inside the far post after a quick turnover in midfield. Valladolid responded well, gradually finding space behind Granada’s advanced full-backs, but the visitors lacked a finishing touch until early in the second half.

The equaliser came in the 52nd minute. Iván Romero timed his run perfectly to meet a right-wing cross and guided the ball in off the post, silencing the home crowd and shifting the momentum. Granada regrouped, introduced fresh legs from the bench, and found the winner in the 78th minute when substitute Pablo Sáenz arrived late in the box to convert a cut-back from the right.

Key moments

• 17’ — Granada 1-0: Diego Collado opens the scoring with a composed finish after a high press forces a loose pass.
• 36’ — Valladolid warning: Iván Romero forces a smart save from the Granada goalkeeper with a header from a corner.
• 52’ — Valladolid 1-1: Romero levels with a first-time finish from a dangerous right-wing delivery.
• 67’ — Granada double save: The home goalkeeper denies Valladolid twice in quick succession to keep the score level.
• 78’ — Granada 2-1: Pablo Sáenz restores the lead with a late run into the penalty area and a firm finish.
• 90+3’ — Late pressure: Valladolid send bodies forward, but Granada defend their box with discipline to see out the win.

Tactical story

Granada set up in a 4-2-3-1 and looked to win the ball back quickly in midfield, using Collado’s dribbling to stretch Valladolid’s back line. Valladolid’s 4-4-2 shape was compact in the first half but became more stretched after the break as the visitors chased an equaliser. That openness allowed Granada to find pockets between the lines, and the introduction of Sáenz gave the home side a sharper presence in the box during the final 20 minutes.

Valladolid’s best moments came from wide areas, particularly when their right-sided players combined to isolate Granada’s left-back. The equaliser was a product of that pattern, but Valladolid could not sustain the pressure after conceding the second goal. Granada’s midfield screen protected the back four well in the closing stages, limiting clear chances despite Valladolid’s late possession.

Standout players

Diego Collado was Granada’s most dangerous outlet, combining direct running with a crucial opening goal. Pablo Sáenz made the difference from the bench, while Granada’s holding midfielder Mario González quietly controlled the tempo and broke up several Valladolid counters. For Valladolid, Iván Romero was the focal point of their attack and took his goal well, but the visitors will rue a handful of missed opportunities in the final third.

Season impact

The result gives Granada a valuable three points in the Segunda Division standings and keeps them in the thick of the promotion race. For Valladolid, the defeat adds pressure to their away form and leaves them needing a response in their next fixture. Granada’s ability to win after surrendering the lead will be seen as a sign of maturity, while Valladolid’s coaching staff will focus on the defensive lapse that allowed the late winner.