Alavés will hope their strong recent home form can inspire an upset as they welcome Real Madrid to Mendizorroza in La Liga. The hosts come into this fixture boosted by a vital 1-0 win over Real Sociedad last week, a result that ended a three-match losing streak and eased some pressure on head coach Eduardo Coudet, Softfootball reports.
That victory leaves Alavés sitting comfortably mid-table, equidistant between the European places and the relegation zone, and they will take confidence from the fact that the majority of their points this season have come at home.
Indeed, 14 of Alavés’ 18 league points this campaign have been collected on their own turf, where they have already proven capable of troubling stronger opposition. Seven points from three home games against sides who started the round inside the top nine underline their ability to rise to the occasion in front of their fans, even if the challenge posed by Real Madrid represents one of their toughest tests yet.
Real Madrid arrive under mounting pressure, with head coach Xabi Alonso reportedly facing intense scrutiny following a run of poor results. A 2-1 home defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in midweek compounded an already difficult period, leaving Los Blancos with just two wins from their last eight matches across all competitions.
That sequence represents their joint-worst eight-game stretch since April 2006 and has seen them lose valuable ground in the La Liga title race.
A damaging 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo last weekend left Madrid four points adrift of the league leaders, increasing the urgency surrounding this trip. However, the visitors may take some comfort from their away form, as they are unbeaten in their last five matches on the road. With the season at a critical juncture, Madrid will be desperate to steady the ship and restore confidence with a convincing performance here.
Team News
Alavés will be without Jon Guridi, who misses out through injury, but otherwise have few major concerns as they look to field a competitive side capable of frustrating their illustrious opponents. Carlos Vicente is expected to play a key role once again, particularly given his knack for delivering from the penalty spot against higher-ranked opposition at home this season.
Ahead of the game, Alaves shared via its official X handle, the players training and preparing for the crucial home game against Real Madrid. They posted:
Real Madrid, meanwhile, continue to contend with a lengthy absentee list. Álvaro Carreras, Endrick and Fran García are all unavailable after being sent off last week, adding to Xabi Alonso’s selection headaches. Vinícius Júnior, though enduring a goal drought in league play, remains central to Madrid’s attacking plans and will be eager to rediscover his scoring touch against familiar opposition.
Possible Lineups
Alaves possible starting lineup:
Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Guevara; Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach; Boye
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio; Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
Real Madrid via its official X handle, shared an exclusive video of the players training ahead of tomorrow’s game against Deportivo Alaves. The team will be looking to bounce back after multiple disappointing results and performances. They posted:
SoftFootball Prediction
Alavés’ strong home form suggests they won’t make life easy for Real Madrid, particularly in a fixture where goals have often been at a premium. However, Madrid’s superior quality and urgency, combined with their strong record in this fixture, could prove decisive.
Prediction: Alavés 0-2 Real Madrid
