The upcoming La Liga clash between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid is generating buzz as both teams prepare for a critical showdown. With Real Madrid aiming to stay in the title race and Alavés fighting for a positive result to solidify their standing in the league, this match is set to offer an intense battle. As the footballing world eagerly anticipates the fixture, let’s dive into the potential lineups, key tactical matchups, and what each team needs to secure the three points.
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ToggleReal Madrid’s Predicted Lineup
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid has consistently been a dominant force in La Liga, combining experience and youthful exuberance. The lineup for this match is expected to reflect Ancelotti’s balanced approach, focused on possession, creativity, and pressing.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
One of the world’s top goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois will undoubtedly start for Madrid. His shot-stopping ability has been pivotal for Los Blancos, making him a critical figure in maintaining the team’s defensive strength.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Fran García
In defense, Ancelotti will likely deploy Dani Carvajal and Fran García as the full-backs, with Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba anchoring the central defense. Carvajal’s experience on the right and Alaba’s leadership in the heart of the defense will be crucial against Alavés’ counterattacks.
Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde
Real Madrid’s midfield will feature a mix of veterans and rising stars. Luka Modrić, even in his late 30s, remains one of the most creative and intelligent players in world football. Eduardo Camavinga offers energy and versatility, while Federico Valverde adds a dynamic box-to-box presence. This trio will work to control possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior, Joselu
In the attacking third, Vinícius Júnior is the standout figure, with his pace and dribbling causing constant headaches for opposing defenders. On the opposite flank, Rodrygo provides technical ability and goal-scoring potential. Joselu, leading the line, offers a physical presence and aerial threat that complements the pace of the wingers.
Deportivo Alavés’ Predicted Lineup
Deportivo Alavés, under the guidance of Luis García Plaza, will approach the match with a defensive mindset, focusing on frustrating Real Madrid and hitting them on the break. Alavés has shown resilience throughout the season, and their game plan will revolve around maintaining a solid structure at the back.
Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
Antonio Sivera has been a reliable presence for Alavés between the posts. He will need to be at his absolute best to fend off Real Madrid’s attacking firepower, as any mistakes could prove costly.
Defenders: Rubén Duarte, Víctor Laguardia, Aleksandar Sedlar, Nahuel Tenaglia
Alavés’ defense will likely consist of Rubén Duarte and Nahuel Tenaglia as full-backs, with Víctor Laguardia and Aleksandar Sedlar forming the center-back duo. Their primary task will be to keep Real Madrid’s wingers and attackers at bay, which will require excellent communication and a disciplined defensive structure.
Midfielders: Jon Guridi, Ander Guevara, Luis Rioja
In midfield, Jon Guridi and Ander Guevara will focus on breaking up play and providing cover for the defense, while Luis Rioja will offer creativity and the ability to carry the ball forward on counterattacks. Rioja’s ability to exploit space in transition will be key for Alavés’ chances of creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Forwards: Kike García, Rubén Sobrino, Abde Ezzalzouli
Up front, Kike García will serve as the target man, with Rubén Sobrino and Abde Ezzalzouli supporting him from the wings. Abde’s pace and dribbling skills will be crucial in Alavés’ attempts to exploit Real Madrid’s high defensive line.
Tactical Breakdown
Real Madrid’s Approach: Pressing and Fluid Attack
Real Madrid will look to control the tempo of the game with high pressing and quick ball circulation. Their midfield trio will dominate possession, with Modrić pulling the strings and Valverde driving forward. The key for Madrid will be the movement of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo on the wings, stretching Alavés’ defense and creating space for Joselu in the center.
Ancelotti’s team is likely to press aggressively, aiming to win the ball back quickly and transition into attack at speed. Vinícius’ ability to run in behind defenses and Rodrygo’s technical skill will be crucial in unlocking a tightly packed Alavés backline.
Deportivo Alavés’ Strategy: Defensive Solidity and Quick Counters
Alavés will likely adopt a more cautious approach, sitting deep and trying to frustrate Real Madrid’s creative players. Their low-block defense will aim to limit Madrid’s space in the final third, forcing them to resort to crosses or shots from distance.
On the counterattack, Alavés will rely heavily on the speed of Abde and the physical presence of Kike García to challenge Madrid’s defense. Their strategy will be to absorb pressure and quickly transition the ball forward, targeting spaces left behind by Madrid’s attacking full-backs.
Key Matchups to Watch
Vinícius Júnior vs. Nahuel Tenaglia
One of the most anticipated battles will be between Vinícius Júnior and Nahuel Tenaglia. Vinícius’ pace and dribbling make him a constant threat, and if Tenaglia struggles to keep up, it could spell trouble for Alavés. How Tenaglia handles Vinícius’ movement and skill will be crucial to Alavés’ defensive efforts.
Abde Ezzalzouli vs. Dani Carvajal
On the other side of the pitch, Abde Ezzalzouli will test Dani Carvajal with his speed and direct running. If Abde can exploit any defensive lapses by Carvajal, Alavés might find opportunities to break through on the counterattack.
Joselu vs. Víctor Laguardia
Joselu’s physical presence in the box will create an interesting duel with Alavés’ central defender Víctor Laguardia. Joselu will look to win aerial duels and link up with his teammates, while Laguardia will aim to keep him quiet and prevent Madrid from gaining a foothold in the penalty area.
What’s at Stake?
For Real Madrid, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With their eyes set on another La Liga title, they cannot afford to drop points, especially against mid-table opposition like Deportivo Alavés. Securing three points is essential to keeping pace with their title rivals.
On the other hand, for Alavés, earning a point or even pulling off a shock victory could significantly boost their confidence and standing in the league. Every point matters in their quest to stay clear of the relegation zone, and a strong performance against Madrid could provide the momentum they need to push on.
Prediction
Real Madrid enters the game as overwhelming favorites, but Deportivo Alavés has shown they can be difficult to break down, particularly at home. The match will likely be a test of patience for Ancelotti’s side, as they attempt to wear down a stubborn defense and avoid being caught on the counter.
A narrow victory for Real Madrid seems the most probable outcome, with Vinícius Júnior and Joselu playing key roles in deciding the result. However, Alavés’ ability to defend compactly and strike on the break could make this a more challenging fixture than expected.
Final Thoughts
As the two teams prepare for battle, fans can expect a tactical chess match with plenty of intrigue. While Real Madrid’s quality suggests they should emerge victorious, Deportivo Alavés has the tools to frustrate their illustrious opponents and perhaps spring a surprise. All eyes will be on the key matchups as both teams look to leave their mark on this La Liga showdown.