Real Madrid returns in midweek clash against Deportivo Alavés

2024-09-18

After a strong comeback victory over Espanyol, Real Madrid aim to edge closer to table leaders Barcelona when they host Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu, seeking to extend both their unbeaten home run against the visitors and their impressive La Liga streak.

Real Madrid

A comfortable 3-1 win over Stuttgart in the opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League was followed by a comeback 4-1 victory over Espanyol at the weekend. Dani Carvajal restored parity after an own goal from Thibaut Courtois had given Espanyol the lead, before a stoppage-time penalty from Kylian Mbappe completed the comeback for Madrid.

"It was a good game. We started really strongly and then reacted well to Espanyol's goal," Carlo Ancelotti said in a post-match press conference.

Madrid moved into second place after the win, with 14 points from 4 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. They are four points behind the table-topping Barcelona, but a win against Alaves in their midweek clash would bring Real Madrid within a point of the Catalans, ahead of Barcelona’s game against Getafe.

Madrid have kept clean sheets in their last two home matches against the visitors, winning by an aggregate scoreline of 8-0. Victory here would not only mean three successive home wins against Alaves for Carlo Ancelotti’s side but also extend their unbeaten run to 39 La Liga games.

"We’ve gone 38 games unbeaten in La Liga, and that's a fantastic statistic that underlines how well this team has played," Ancelotti remarked. The Madrid boss might rotate his squad, with Endrick expected to start in a 4-3-3 formation, potentially alongside Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé in the attack.

Deportivo Alavés

After going two goals up at the hour mark, Alavés managed to secure a 2-1 victory over a struggling Sevilla side, despite a late goal from Dodi Lukebakio [83’] for the opposition.

This marked Alavés' third win in their last five La Liga outings [DWWLW], placing them 6th with 10 points accumulated from 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Alavés are eager to end a five-game losing streak against Madrid as they visit the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.

Their last victory over Real Madrid was in November 2020, achieved with a 2-1 scoreline through goals from Lucas Perez [5’] and Joselu [49’]. For this midweek clash, a 4—2—3—1 formation featuring Toni Martínez in attack is anticipated, and Alavés have no injury concerns.