As Deportivo Alavés gears up to host Real Madrid in the upcoming La Liga fixture, both sides are preparing to field their strongest lineups. Real Madrid, with title aspirations, will be keen to secure maximum points, while Alavés, known for their defensive resilience, will aim to frustrate the Spanish giants and spring a surprise. Here’s an in-depth look at the expected lineups, key matchups, and tactical approaches each team might adopt.
Real Madrid’s Expected Lineup
With Real Madrid sitting near the top of the table, Carlo Ancelotti will opt for a strong starting XI, combining the experience of veterans with the energy and flair of younger talents. The team’s recent form suggests that Ancelotti will continue with his balanced approach, focusing on possession, creativity, and high-pressing football.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Thibaut Courtois will undoubtedly be between the posts for Real Madrid. The Belgian shot-stopper has been instrumental in his team’s defensive solidity this season, and his sharp reflexes will be key in denying Alavés any clear goal-scoring opportunities.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Fran García
In defense, Madrid is expected to feature Dani Carvajal and Fran García as full-backs, with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba forming the central partnership. Carvajal’s attacking prowess down the right flank will add width, while Rüdiger and Alaba’s strength and composure at the back will provide security. This defense will be crucial in nullifying the counter-attacks that Alavés will likely attempt.
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde
Real Madrid’s midfield will likely be a mix of youth and experience. Eduardo Camavinga’s dynamism and ball-winning ability will help Madrid control the tempo, while Luka Modrić, even at 38 years old, continues to dictate the flow of play with his vision and technical ability. Federico Valverde’s high energy and ability to drive forward will be crucial in linking the midfield to the attack.
Forwards: Rodrygo, Joselu, Vinícius Júnior
In the forward line, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo will provide pace and flair from the wings. Vinícius, with his dazzling dribbling ability, will be Real Madrid’s most dangerous attacking threat. Rodrygo, on the other wing, has proven to be clinical in front of goal. Joselu, who will likely start as the central striker, offers a strong aerial presence and finishing ability.
Deportivo Alavés’ Expected Lineup
Deportivo Alavés, often known for their disciplined and compact defense, will look to frustrate Real Madrid by sitting deep and breaking quickly on the counterattack. Manager Luis García Plaza will aim to set up his team with a defensive structure while exploiting any opportunities to catch Real Madrid off-guard.
Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
Antonio Sivera will take his place in goal, hoping to keep Real Madrid’s potent attack at bay. Sivera has been dependable throughout the season, and he will need to be at his best to thwart Madrid’s creative forward line.
Defenders: Rubén Duarte, Víctor Laguardia, Aleksandar Sedlar, Nahuel Tenaglia
Alavés’ backline will likely consist of Rubén Duarte and Nahuel Tenaglia as full-backs, with Víctor Laguardia and Aleksandar Sedlar as the center-back pairing. This defense will have to stay compact and organized to prevent Real Madrid from finding space in and around the penalty area.
Midfielders: Jon Guridi, Ander Guevara, Luis Rioja
The midfield will focus heavily on breaking up play and launching quick counters. Jon Guridi and Ander Guevara will play crucial defensive roles, with Luis Rioja tasked with providing the creativity and speed to support the attack. Rioja’s pace on the break will be essential if Alavés hopes to trouble Real Madrid’s defense.
Forwards: Kike García, Rubén Sobrino, Abde Ezzalzouli
Up front, Alavés will likely field a front three of Kike García, Rubén Sobrino, and Abde Ezzalzouli. Kike García will offer a physical presence and hold-up play, while Abde’s speed and dribbling ability on the flanks could prove dangerous on the counter.
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid’s Approach: High Press and Fluidity in Attack
Carlo Ancelotti will stick to Real Madrid’s high-pressing, possession-based game. The midfield trio of Camavinga, Modrić, and Valverde will aim to dominate possession and wear down Alavés’ defense. With Vinícius and Rodrygo providing pace and width, Real Madrid will look to stretch the opposition and create overloads on the flanks.
Joselu will act as the focal point in the box, waiting for crosses and through balls. Ancelotti’s side will push for early dominance in the game to avoid a low-scoring, scrappy encounter where Alavés could grow in confidence.
Deportivo Alavés: Defend Deep and Strike on the Counter
Alavés’ tactical plan will center around staying organized defensively and hitting Real Madrid on the counter. With their midfielders primarily focusing on disrupting Madrid’s rhythm, Alavés will look to use Abde’s speed on the wings to get behind Madrid’s defense when they commit players forward.
Luis García Plaza may set his team up in a low block, conceding possession to Real Madrid but maintaining a compact shape. The goal will be to frustrate Madrid by limiting space in key areas, forcing them to shoot from distance or play high-risk passes into congested areas.
Key Matchups
Vinícius Júnior vs. Nahuel Tenaglia
Vinícius Júnior’s pace and flair down the left will pose a constant threat to Alavés’ defense. Nahuel Tenaglia, Alavés’ right-back, will need to be at the top of his game to prevent Vinícius from getting behind him. If Vinícius can consistently win this battle, it could open up significant goal-scoring opportunities for Real Madrid.
Abde Ezzalzouli vs. Dani Carvajal
On the other side, Abde Ezzalzouli’s pace and creativity will be key to Alavés’ counterattacks. His matchup with Dani Carvajal will be crucial, as Carvajal is likely to push forward frequently, leaving space in behind for Abde to exploit.
What’s at Stake?
For Real Madrid, this game represents a must-win as they continue their pursuit of the La Liga title. Dropping points against a mid-table side like Alavés could be detrimental, especially with their key rivals also pushing for the top spot.
On the other hand, for Deportivo Alavés, getting a result against one of Spain’s biggest clubs would be a massive boost to their confidence and standings. A draw or win could significantly help in their battle to avoid relegation and propel them up the table.
Final Thoughts
With Real Madrid looking to assert their dominance and Deportivo Alavés aiming to pull off an upset, this clash is expected to be intense and competitive. Key matchups, tactical decisions, and the form of players like Vinícius Júnior and Abde Ezzalzouli will likely decide the outcome. Real Madrid’s superior quality makes them favorites, but Alavés’ defensive resolve could force a dramatic finish.
Fans around the world will be eager to see how this intriguing battle unfolds.