The battle for promotion from Segunda to La Liga rarely disappoints, and Real Valladolid were the first to do it this year, scoring twice in stoppage time through an own goal and 97th minute penalty in order to go up. The events since their 3-2 win over of Villarreal B have been just as absurd.
Over the past year there has been talk that majority shareholder and Real Madrid icon Ronaldo Nazario has been keen to sell his stake in the club, and an agreement on terms for a deal worth between €30-50m emerged in recent weeks too.
After the match, Ronaldo had confirmed that he had three offers on the table, but during the celebrations, ‘O Fenomeno’ seemed less certain of his path, despite discontent with his leadership.
“Now I want to stay more than sell and I will think everything through before making a decision,” he told Marca.
Meanwhile manager Paulo Pezzolano, installed by surprise in the final stages of last season during their relegation, also had a curious end to the season. Fans of La Pucela have also been frustrated with Pezzolano this season, and have voiced as much at the Jose Zorrilla and the training ground, including during the match in which they secured promotion.
Celebrating in front of thousands of fans on the balcony of the Valladolid City Hall, Pezzolano got on the microphone to ironically start the chant ‘Pezzolano, resign’ mimicking his detractors. It was met with a mixed reaction from the fans below.
These were the bizarre scenes on Monday as Real Valladolid manager Paulo Pezzolano led the crowds gathered at the City Hall in chants for his resignation.
La #Pucela won promotion back to La Liga on Sunday.pic.twitter.com/TjtQediutn
— Football España (@footballespana_) May 28, 2024
What happens with Pezzolano, Ronaldo or Valladolid’s future is not yet clear, but they will be able to take those decisions from a position of more financial security. Pezzolano has clearly done a good job to get Valladolid back up, but his relationship with a section of the fanbase is clearly at breaking point.
