Arsenal loanee Karl Hein kept a vital clean sheet to help Real Valladolid to leapfrog Valencia and prise themselves off the bottom of La Liga this weekend.
MADRID, SPAIN: Karl Hein of Real Valladolid is challenged by Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Valladolid CF at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on August 25, 2024. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Though he’s received plenty of praise for his performances on loan with Real Valladolid this season, Arsenal loanee Karl Hein hasn’t kept too many clean sheets for the Spanish side so far.
In fairness, that’s more to do with the team’s poor performances as a whole, reflected by their position at the foot of the table ahead of this weekend’s round of matches.
The one positive was that they were facing 19th-place Valencia, knowing that a win would at least lift them above their opposition.
VALLADOLID, SPAIN: Karl Hein of Real Valladolid warms up prior to the La Liga match between Real Valladolid CF and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on August 19, 2024. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
On this occasion, Hein was better protected by his defence, only having to make one save across the 90 minutes.
That’s not to suggest the goalkeeper didn’t have work to do though. He made four high claims, the most of any match he’s played this season.
The end result was a clean sheet and a 1-0 win, taking Real Valladolid up to 19th – at least for now. Valencia have two games in hand, so the two-point gap between the sides could quickly disappear.
Even so, it’s a step in the right direction, and Valladolid are now just three points off escaping the relegation zone.
Real Valladolid's Karl Hein catches the ball during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Valladolid FC at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on August 31, 2024. (Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images
On an individual level, Hein has made 17 appearances in La Liga, keeping four clean sheets. He also remains a regular starter for Estonia in international matches, playing six times in September, October, and November.
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