Alavés vs Real Madrid: Full Match Preview, Analysis, and Prediction
The La Liga match between Deportivo Alavés and Real Madrid is always an interesting battle. On paper, Real Madrid are the stronger team, with world-class players and big ambitions. But football is not only about big names. Alavés are known for fighting hard, especially when they play at home.
In this article, you will find a simple English, easy-to-read, detailed 2000-word preview of Alavés vs Real Madrid. We will cover team form, tactics, key players, head-to-head history, match importance, and a final prediction.
Match Overview
- Competition: La Liga
- Match: Alavés vs Real Madrid
- Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza (Alavés home ground)
- Importance: Title race vs survival battle
This match shows a classic La Liga story:
A giant club chasing trophies
A smaller club fighting for points and pride
About Deportivo Alavés
Club Background
Deportivo Alavés are a hardworking Spanish club. They do not have many star players, but they are strong as a team. Their main goal every season is to stay in La Liga.
Alavés usually:
- Play defensive football
- Depend on teamwork
- Use counter-attacks and set pieces
At home, they become a very tough opponent.
Alavés Current Form
Alavés’ recent form has been mixed. They sometimes struggle to score goals, but their defense is organized. Against big teams, they focus more on not losing than winning.
Key points about Alavés form:
- Strong at home
- Low-scoring matches
- Difficult to break down
Even if they lose, they rarely lose by a big margin.
Alavés Playing Style
Alavés often play with:
- 4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1 formation
- Deep defensive line
- Many players behind the ball
Their main ideas:
- Defend first
- Slow down the game
- Look for mistakes from the opponent
They are not exciting, but they are effective.
Key Players for Alavés
Some important Alavés players to watch:
- Goalkeeper: Very busy against big teams, often makes many saves
- Center-backs: Strong in the air, important for set pieces
- Striker: Works hard, presses defenders, looks for half chances
Alavés do not depend on one superstar. Their strength is team effort.
About Real Madrid
Club Background
Real Madrid are one of the biggest football clubs in the world. They play to win every match, every trophy, every season.
Their goals:
- Win La Liga
- Compete in Champions League
- Dominate Spanish football
Anything less than a win is considered a disappointment.
Real Madrid Current Form
Real Madrid usually come into this match with:
- Strong winning form
- High confidence
- Great squad depth
Even when they rotate players, their quality stays high.
Key strengths:
- Score goals regularly
- Control possession
- Experience in tough matches
Real Madrid Playing Style
Real Madrid play:
- Fast attacking football
- High-quality passing
- Strong counter-attacks
Common formations:
- 4-3-3
- 4-4-2 diamond
Main ideas:
- Control the ball
- Stretch the defense
- Create chances from wide areas
They can score in many different ways.
Key Players for Real Madrid
Some key Real Madrid players to watch:
- Midfield leader: Controls tempo and passing
- Attacking star: Speed, dribbling, and goals
- Defenders: Calm under pressure, good ball control
Even their bench players can change the match.
Head-to-Head History
In recent years:
- Real Madrid have won most matches
- Alavés have caused problems at home
- Many matches are low scoring
Alavés usually defend deep, and Real Madrid must stay patient.
Tactical Battle: How the Match May Play Out
When Alavés Have the Ball
Alavés will:
- Play long balls
- Avoid risky passes
- Try quick counter-attacks
They know they will not have much possession.
When Real Madrid Have the Ball
Real Madrid will:
- Keep possession
- Push full-backs forward
- Look for spaces between defenders
The key question:
Can Real Madrid break the Alavés defense?
Midfield Battle
The midfield will decide the match.
- Real Madrid want control
- Alavés want disruption
If Real Madrid win the midfield, they likely win the match.
Set Pieces: A Big Chance for Alavés
Set pieces are very important for Alavés.
They focus on:
- Corners
- Free kicks
- Long throws
Against Real Madrid:
- One set-piece goal can change everything
- Alavés will wait patiently for these moments
Home Advantage: Mendizorroza Stadium
Mendizorroza is:
- Small
- Loud
- Intense
The fans:
- Support their team strongly
- Create pressure for visiting teams
Real Madrid are used to pressure, but it still matters.
Mental Side of the Game
Pressure on Real Madrid
- Expected to win
- No room for mistakes
- Title race pressure
This can make them nervous if they don’t score early.
Motivation for Alavés
- Playing against a big club
- Extra motivation
- Fans fully behind them
For Alavés, this match feels like a final.
Possible Match Scenarios
Scenario 1: Early Real Madrid Goal
If Real Madrid score early:
- Alavés must open up
- More spaces appear
- Real Madrid likely win comfortably
Scenario 2: No Goals in First Half
If the match stays 0–0:
- Pressure increases on Real Madrid
- Alavés gain confidence
- One mistake can decide the match
Scenario 3: Alavés Score First
If Alavés score first:
- Stadium explodes
- Real Madrid must attack more
- Very tense final minutes
Why This Match Is Important
For Real Madrid
- Every point matters in title race
- Must beat smaller teams
- Champions think long-term
Dropping points here can cost the title.
For Alavés
- Points mean survival
- Home matches are key
- Big confidence boost
Even a draw is like a win for them.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Alavés Strengths
- Strong defense
- Team discipline
- Set pieces
Alavés Weaknesses
- Lack of goals
- Limited creativity
- Little possession
Real Madrid Strengths
- World-class players
- Tactical flexibility
- Winning mentality
Real Madrid Weaknesses
- Sometimes slow starts
- Can struggle against low blocks
Players to Watch
Alavés Player to Watch
- Central defender or goalkeeper
- Will face many shots
- Performance could decide scoreline
Real Madrid Player to Watch
- Attacking midfielder or winger
- Can unlock defense
- One moment of magic is enough
Match Prediction
Based on:
- Team quality
- Form
- Tactical setup
Real Madrid are favorites, but it will not be easy.
Predicted Score:
Alavés 0–2 Real Madrid
or
Alavés 1–2 Real Madrid
Expect:
- Tight match
- Few goals
- Real Madrid control in the end
Final Thoughts
Alavés vs Real Madrid is a match of:
- Discipline vs talent
- Defense vs attack
- Survival vs glory
Alavés will fight until the last minute. Real Madrid will stay patient and trust their quality. Football fans should expect a serious, tactical, and intense La Liga match.
No matter the result, this game shows why La Liga is one of the best leagues in the world.
