Alavés Vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid find themselves at a critical juncture in their season as they prepare to face struggling Alaves at the Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday afternoon. After suffering back-to-back defeats—first in La Liga against Valencia and then in a humbling Champions League loss to Arsenal—Carlo Ancelotti’s men are under immense pressure to respond with a commanding performance. Any further stumbles could prove disastrous in their pursuit of Barcelona at the summit of La Liga, where they currently trail by four points. Meanwhile, Alaves, hovering just two points above the relegation zone, are equally desperate for points, setting the stage for a tense and unpredictable encounter.  

The context of this match could hardly be more significant for both sides. Real Madrid, one of the most decorated clubs in world football, are accustomed to competing for titles, but their recent form has raised concerns. Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu was a major setback, particularly as it allowed Barcelona to extend their lead at the top. Just days later, their Champions League ambitions suffered a severe blow when Arsenal dismantled them 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. The manner of those defeats—particularly the defensive vulnerabilities exposed against Arsenal—has left Ancelotti with much to ponder ahead of this crucial La Liga fixture.  

On the other hand, Alaves enter this match with renewed optimism following a vital 1-0 victory over Girona in their last outing. That win, secured by Carlos Vicente’s second-half strike, provided a glimmer of hope in their battle to avoid relegation. However, their overall form remains inconsistent, and their home record this season has been far from convincing. With just 16 points taken from 14 matches at the Mendizorrotza and a meager 11 goals scored in front of their own supporters, Alaves have struggled to impose themselves as a formidable force on home turf. Compounding their worries is a dismal recent record against Real Madrid, having lost each of their last six top-flight meetings.  

For Real Madrid, the stakes could not be higher. Barcelona’s relentless form means that any additional slip-ups could effectively end their title hopes, especially with the two giants set to clash in a potentially decisive El Clasico on May 10. Before that, however, Los Blancos must navigate a tricky away fixture against an Alaves side fighting for survival. The psychological impact of their recent defeats will be a key factor—can they regroup and deliver a performance befitting of champions, or will the weight of expectation further destabilize their campaign?  

Alaves, managed by Eduardo Coudet, have shown sporadic resilience in recent weeks, losing just once in their last five league matches while securing two victories. However, their inability to consistently score goals—particularly at home—remains a major concern. Against a Real Madrid side likely to dominate possession, Alaves will need to be defensively disciplined while capitalizing on any counterattacking opportunities. The presence of players like Luis Rioja and Jon Guridi will be crucial in providing creativity, but whether they can breach Real Madrid’s backline—even one that has looked shaky recently—remains uncertain.  

From a tactical perspective, Ancelotti faces several dilemmas. The absence of key players due to injury or fatigue could force changes in personnel, while the need to balance squad rotation with the urgency of securing three points adds another layer of complexity. The likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe will be expected to lead the charge in attack, but their effectiveness could hinge on the service they receive from midfield. Players like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde will need to assert control in the center of the park, ensuring that Alaves are denied time and space to build any momentum.  

Defensively, Real Madrid must address the lapses that cost them dearly against Arsenal. The set-piece vulnerabilities that allowed Declan Rice to score twice, along with Mikel Merino’s late strike, cannot be repeated if they are to re-establish their authority in La Liga. Thibaut Courtois, assuming he starts, will need to command his penalty area with confidence, while the backline—potentially featuring Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao—must communicate effectively to nullify Alaves’ limited attacking threats.  

For Alaves, this match represents a golden opportunity to pull further clear of the relegation scrap. A positive result against one of Spain’s elite clubs would provide a massive morale boost ahead of their remaining fixtures. Coudet’s tactical approach will likely focus on defensive solidity, looking to frustrate Real Madrid before exploiting any gaps on the break. The midfield battle will be pivotal—if Alaves can disrupt Real Madrid’s rhythm and prevent them from dictating play, they may just find a path to an unlikely result.  

Historically, Real Madrid have dominated this fixture, but football rarely adheres to past precedents when survival is on the line. Alaves’ desperation for points could make them a dangerous opponent, particularly if Real Madrid’s confidence remains fragile after their recent setbacks. The atmosphere at the Mendizorrotza is expected to be electric, with home supporters rallying behind their team in what could prove to be a season-defining encounter.  

Looking beyond this match, Real Madrid’s season could still culminate in success, but their margin for error is rapidly diminishing. The Copa del Rey final against Barcelona later this month offers another shot at silverware, while their Champions League aspirations, though hanging by a thread, are not yet extinguished. However, their immediate focus must be on La Liga, where retaining the title remains a realistic—if increasingly difficult—objective.  

In summary, Sunday’s clash is more than just another league fixture—it is a test of character for Real Madrid and a potential lifeline for Alaves. Will Ancelotti’s men rise to the occasion and keep their title hopes alive, or will Coudet’s side pull off a shock result that could alter the trajectories of both teams? The answers will unfold at the Mendizorrotza, where passion, pressure, and pride will collide in a match laden with significance.