Alaves vs. Real Madrid | La Liga | Pre Match
Alaves vs. Real Madrid
Aiming to bounce back from two damaging defeats, Real Madrid will continue their La Liga campaign with a clash against relegation-threatened Alaves at Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Spanish giants, reeling from a torrid week both domestically and in Europe, find themselves at a critical juncture in their season. After a promising start to the 2024-25 campaign, Real Madrid’s recent stumbles have exposed vulnerabilities in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, raising questions about their ability to maintain their pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. The loss to Valencia in La Liga last weekend was a bitter pill to swallow, as it allowed Barcelona to widen their lead at the top of the table. Compounding their woes, a humbling 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg midweek has left their European aspirations teetering on the edge. For a club accustomed to dominating both in Spain and abroad, these setbacks have sparked urgency within the camp. The trip to Vitoria-Gasteiz to face Alaves, a side scrapping for survival, represents both an opportunity for redemption and a potential banana skin. Real Madrid’s storied history demands a swift response, but Alaves’ desperation to avoid the drop makes this fixture anything but straightforward. With key players nursing injuries and Ancelotti likely to rotate his squad, the visitors will need to summon resilience and focus to secure three vital points and keep their La Liga title hopes alive.
Real Madrid cannot afford any further slip-ups in Spain's top flight, as they are second in the La Liga table, four points behind the leaders Barcelona, while Alaves occupy 17th spot, just two points above the relegation zone. The gap to Barcelona, who have been in scintillating form under Hansi Flick, could widen to seven points by the time this match kicks off, with the Catalan side facing Leganes on Saturday night. For Real Madrid, the mathematics are simple but unforgiving: a loss or draw against Alaves would not only dent their morale further but also risk derailing their title challenge before the season reaches its decisive phase. The looming Clasico on May 10 adds another layer of pressure, as Los Blancos must remain within striking distance of their arch-rivals to capitalize on any potential slip-ups. Beyond La Liga, Real Madrid are also juggling their commitments in the Copa del Rey, where they will face Barcelona in the final later this month, and the Champions League, where a miraculous turnaround against Arsenal is required. This congested schedule, coupled with a growing injury list, has stretched Ancelotti’s squad to its limits. For Alaves, the stakes are equally high, albeit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Hovering precariously above the relegation zone, every point is a lifeline for Eduardo Coudet’s men. Their recent victory over Girona has injected a dose of confidence, but their inconsistent home form and dismal record against Real Madrid—six consecutive league defeats—make them underdogs. Nevertheless, the Basque side’s tenacity and the raucous support at Mendizorrotza could pose a significant challenge for a Real Madrid team still licking its wounds.
The fact that Alaves are also in desperate need of the points makes this a tricky game for Real Madrid, with the home side currently battling for their lives towards the bottom of the division. Alaves’ season has been a far cry from their commendable 10th-place finish last term, which marked a high point in their recent history. This campaign, however, has been a grind, with the team struggling to replicate the cohesion and attacking flair that defined their previous success. Their tally of 30 points from 30 matches reflects a side caught in a cycle of inconsistency, capable of moments of brilliance but too often undone by defensive lapses or a lack of cutting edge. The victory over Girona, secured by Carlos Vicente’s solitary strike, was a rare bright spot, showcasing their ability to dig deep and grind out results when it matters most. Yet, their home form remains a glaring concern. With just 16 points from 14 matches at Mendizorrotza, Alaves have struggled to make their stadium a fortress, scoring a paltry 11 goals in front of their own fans. This anemia in attack could be a vulnerability that Real Madrid, even in their current state, will look to exploit. However, Alaves’ recent upturn—two wins in their last five league games—suggests they are not a side to be underestimated. For Coudet, this match is an opportunity to galvanize his squad and prove they can compete with the elite, even as suspensions and injuries threaten to disrupt their rhythm. The absence of key players like Jon Guridi, Antonio Sivera, and Tomas Conechny will force Coudet to reshuffle his lineup, but the return of Nahuel Tenaglia offers a glimmer of hope. With Jesus Owono likely to step in between the posts and Carles Alena expected to fill the creative void left by Guridi, Alaves will need every ounce of their resolve to hold firm against Real Madrid’s firepower.
Real Madrid will enter this match off the back of successive defeats, going down 2-1 at home to Valencia in La Liga last weekend, before suffering a shock 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night. The Valencia defeat was a frustrating affair, with Real Madrid dominating possession but failing to convert their chances, only to be punished by a clinical opponent. The Arsenal game, however, was a different kind of blow—a comprehensive dismantling that exposed tactical and physical frailties. Declan Rice’s two free-kick goals and Mikel Merino’s third left the Bernabeu stunned, and Ancelotti’s post-match comments hinted at a need for introspection. The Italian manager, known for his calm demeanor, now faces one of the toughest tests of his second stint at Real Madrid. With injuries piling up—Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy are sidelined, while David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger are doubtful—Ancelotti’s options are limited. The return of Dani Ceballos and the probable availability of Federico Valverde and Andriy Lunin offer some relief, but the decision to rest stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe for this match signals a calculated gamble. Ancelotti is clearly prioritizing the second leg against Arsenal, where a near-miracle is needed, but this risks undermining Real Madrid’s momentum in La Liga. The likes of Brahim Diaz, Arda Guler, and Luka Modric could step into the breach, bringing fresh legs and creativity, but their ability to gel against a dogged Alaves side remains uncertain. For Real Madrid, this match is about more than just three points—it’s about restoring confidence and sending a message that their season is far from over.
Alaves, meanwhile, will welcome Nahuel Tenaglia back into their squad this weekend following a suspension, but three other players will miss out due to bans, with Jon Guridi, Antonio Sivera, and Tomas Conechny unavailable for selection. These absences disrupt Coudet’s plans at a crucial moment, forcing him to rely on less experienced or out-of-position players. Jesus Owono’s inclusion in goal will be a test of the young keeper’s mettle, especially against a Real Madrid side that, even with rotations, boasts significant attacking quality. Carles Alena’s expected start in the number 10 role places added responsibility on the former Barcelona man to unlock Real Madrid’s defense, while Kike Garcia’s 11 goals this season make him the focal point of Alaves’ attack. The striker’s physicality and knack for finding space could trouble Real Madrid’s makeshift backline, particularly if Rudiger is absent. For Alaves, this match is a chance to channel their underdog spirit and capitalize on Real Madrid’s fragility. A positive result would not only boost their survival hopes but also cement their reputation as a team capable of defying the odds. As the Mendizorrotza faithful rally behind their side, the stage is set for a contest defined by contrasting ambitions—Real Madrid’s quest for redemption and Alaves’ fight for survival. In a season where every match carries weight, this clash could prove a defining moment for both clubs.
