As La Liga heats up, all eyes are on the upcoming Deportivo Alavés vs Real Madrid clash, a fixture that promises excitement for football fans around the world. With Real Madrid riding high on strong performances in the league, and Deportivo Alavés fighting to secure points, the lineups for this match are crucial for both teams. Here, we take an in-depth look at the potential starting XI for each side, analyzing their key players and strategies.

Real Madrid’s Expected Lineup

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid’s towering Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, remains a rock at the back. Courtois’ shot-stopping ability, coupled with his excellent command of the box, makes him a critical player in any high-stakes fixture. His leadership and presence are pivotal in Real’s defensive stability.

Defense: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, Fran García

In defense, manager Carlo Ancelotti is likely to stick with his trusted full-back Dani Carvajal, whose experience and attacking instincts down the right flank make him a key contributor. Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba will likely anchor the central defense, bringing a combination of physicality and composure. At left-back, Fran García is expected to continue his run in the starting XI, providing additional width and pace.

Midfield: Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos

Real Madrid’s midfield may see a blend of youth and experience. Eduardo Camavinga’s energetic box-to-box play will be essential in breaking down Alavés’ midfield, while Federico Valverde’s versatility and ability to push forward create attacking opportunities. Veteran midfielder Toni Kroos will likely operate as the orchestrator, dictating the tempo with his exceptional passing range.

Attack: Rodrygo, Joselu, Vinícius Júnior

Up front, the Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior is expected to lead the charge on the wings, providing electric pace and creative flair. The two have been in fantastic form, creating chances and taking on defenders with confidence. In the center, Joselu may get the nod, providing a target man presence and adding a different dynamic to Real Madrid’s attack.

Deportivo Alavés’ Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera

Deportivo Alavés’ Antonio Sivera has been a reliable presence between the posts. Facing a world-class side like Real Madrid, Sivera will need to be at the top of his game, as he’s likely to face a barrage of shots from their attacking stars.

Defense: Rubén Duarte, Aleksandar Sedlar, Víctor Laguardia, Nahuel Tenaglia

Deportivo Alavés will aim to pack their defense in hopes of frustrating Real Madrid’s attacking trio. Rubén Duarte and Nahuel Tenaglia will likely fill the full-back roles, while Aleksandar Sedlar and Víctor Laguardia could form a solid partnership in central defense. This back four will need to stay compact and organized to withstand Real Madrid’s pressure.

Midfield: Jon Guridi, Ander Guevara, Luis Rioja

Alavés’ midfield will be crucial in both protecting the defense and launching counter-attacks. Jon Guridi and Ander Guevara will be tasked with disrupting Madrid’s midfield, while Luis Rioja’s pace and ability to run at defenders will be essential in transitioning from defense to attack.

Attack: Kike García, Rubén Sobrino, Abde

The attacking trio of Kike García, Rubén Sobrino, and Abde will likely be deployed to take advantage of any defensive lapses from Real Madrid. García’s physicality and Sobrino’s ability to find space in the box make them key targets for crosses and set pieces. Meanwhile, Abde’s creativity on the wing could pose a threat to Madrid’s full-backs.

Tactical Overview

Real Madrid’s High Press and Fluid Attack

Under Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid has leaned into a fluid attacking style, pressing high up the pitch and looking to dominate possession. With Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo on the wings, Real Madrid will likely exploit Alavés’ defense with their pace and dribbling skills. Midfielders like Valverde and Kroos will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game, creating space, and linking up with the attack.

Alavés’ Defensive Solidity and Counter-Attack Strategy

Deportivo Alavés, on the other hand, may adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity. Expect Alavés to sit deep and soak up pressure, with their back four keeping tight lines. Their strategy will likely hinge on quick counter-attacks, utilizing the speed of Luis Rioja and Abde to catch Real Madrid off-guard.

Alavés will also look to capitalize on set-pieces, where players like Kike García can make use of their aerial prowess. Securing a positive result will require a disciplined performance and possibly relying on Antonio Sivera’s heroics in goal.

Liverpool FC vs Real Madrid: Revisiting the 2-5 Thrashing

In one of the most memorable Champions League encounters of recent years, Real Madrid traveled to Anfield in February 2023 and delivered a stunning 5-2 victory over Liverpool FC. This match was marked by its intensity, goals, and unexpected turn of events as Real Madrid came from behind to dismantle Jurgen Klopp’s side in front of their home fans.

How the Game Unfolded

Liverpool started the match brightly, with Darwin Núñez’s audacious flick giving them an early lead, followed by Mohamed Salah’s goal to make it 2-0. At that point, it looked like Liverpool would dominate the night. However, Real Madrid had other plans.

Real Madrid’s Comeback Masterclass

Vinícius Júnior played a starring role, scoring two goals before halftime to level the score at 2-2. The second half saw Madrid shift into another gear, with Éder Militão giving them the lead with a powerful header from a set piece. The Merseyside faithful were stunned into silence as Karim Benzema added two more goals, sealing the 5-2 victory and leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the second leg.

Key Players

Vinícius Júnior was undoubtedly the star of the night, with his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing proving too much for Liverpool’s defense. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema showcased his class and experience, finding space and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

For Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was a constant threat, but the team’s defensive lapses allowed Madrid to exploit spaces and dominate the game after their initial comeback.

What Went Wrong for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s high defensive line, a key feature of Klopp’s pressing system, was repeatedly exposed by the speed and precision of Madrid’s attackers. Real Madrid’s ability to switch play and transition quickly from defense to attack caught Liverpool off-guard, and mistakes at the back proved costly.

Moreover, Madrid’s midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, and Federico Valverde dictated the game’s pace, pulling Liverpool’s midfield out of position and creating opportunities for their forwards.

The Aftermath

Real Madrid’s emphatic win at Anfield effectively ended the tie, as they advanced to the quarter-finals with a dominant aggregate score. For Liverpool, the result marked another disappointment in their bid for European glory, and it highlighted the areas where they needed improvement, particularly in defense and midfield.

This Real Madrid team, both in La Liga and in Europe, continues to show why they remain one of the most dominant forces in world football. Whether it’s overcoming tough challenges like Deportivo Alavés or demolishing European giants like Liverpool, Real Madrid’s consistency and quality shine through time and time again.