Real Madrid’s troubles deepen as they head to the Basque Country facing a perfect storm of suspensions and injuries. With three red cards in recent matches and a defensive line in tatters, can the European giants avoid another embarrassing upset against mid-table Alaves?
Alaves vs Real Madrid: Match Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | La Liga |
| Venue | Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz |
| TV (UK) | Premier Sports / Premier Player |
| TV (US) | ESPN / ESPN+ |
| Current Form | Alaves: W-L-L-L / Madrid: L-L |
Pre-Match Analysis
Alaves Looking to Pounce
Eduardo Coudet’s Alaves may sit mid-table with only 13 goals from 15 games, but their recent 1-0 Basque derby victory over Real Sociedad has injected fresh confidence. Lucas Boye’s penalty winner ended a three-match losing streak at the perfect time. Facing a depleted Madrid side at Mendizorroza presents a golden opportunity to claim a statement scalp.
Madrid’s Perfect Storm
The statistics paint a grim picture for Los Blancos. Following consecutive defeats—2-0 at home to Celta Vigo and 2-1 to Manchester City in the Champions League—they’ve surrendered top spot to Barcelona and now trail by four points. The defensive crisis has reached unprecedented levels with manager Xabi Alonso’s position reportedly under scrutiny.
Discover more about Madrid’s tactical challenges in our European football analysis.
Critical Absences
Alaves Squad News
- Doubtful: Jon Guridi (knee injury)
- Suspended: Facundo Garces
Expected XI (4-1-4-1): Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Yusi; Guevara; Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Alena; Boye
Real Madrid’s Injury/Suspension List
- Suspended: Fran Garcia, Alvaro Carreras, Endrick (red cards)
- Injured: Militao, Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, Mendy
- Questionable: Camavinga
Expected XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Asencio, Rudiger, Huijsen, Valverde; Ceballos, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius
Tactical Breakdown
Madrid’s makeshift defense featuring Raul Asencio and Dean Huijsen alongside veterans Rudiger and Valverde (operating at full-back) represents a significant vulnerability. Alaves’ counter-attacking approach and home advantage at their intimidating Mendizorroza fortress could expose these weaknesses repeatedly.
However, Madrid’s attacking firepower remains world-class. The Mbappe-Vinicius-Rodrygo trident showed resilience against City despite the defeat, demonstrating they haven’t abandoned Alonso’s tactics. Bellingham’s midfield creativity adds another dimension that should trouble Alaves’ organized but limited defensive structure.
Expert Prediction
While Madrid’s defensive shambles invite optimism for the hosts, the visitors’ attacking quality should ultimately prove decisive. Expect an entertaining, open contest with both teams finding the net, but Los Blancos edging a nervy victory to steady their wobbling ship.
Predicted Score: Alaves 1-3 Real Madrid
Explore comprehensive La Liga match previews and tactical insights on our platform.
Match Review Context
This fixture carries added significance beyond three points. For Madrid, avoiding a third consecutive defeat is essential for squad morale and Alonso’s job security. For Alaves, defeating a giant in crisis could define their season. Previous encounters at Mendizorroza have produced surprising results, with the home side’s passionate support creating a cauldron atmosphere that’s troubled many visiting sides.
Check out our detailed football match reviews for post-game analysis and tactical breakdowns.
