In a tense atmosphere, Real Madrid faces Deportivo Alavés in LaLiga‘s 16th matchday, seeking redemption after a tumultuous week. With the team teetering on the brink of crisis, Xabi Alonso‘s squad is desperate for a victory to close the seven-point gap with FC Barcelona, who recently triumphed over Osasuna. Meanwhile, Villarreal lurks just one point behind Madrid in the standings with a match in hand, adding further pressure to the Merengues. Following two consecutive home defeats, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Vini Jr. and his teammates as they aim to reclaim their momentum.
The match against Alavés comes at a crucial juncture for Real Madrid, who are grappling with injuries and suspensions that have severely impacted their lineup. Key defenders Éder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy are all sidelined due to injuries, while Álvaro Carreras and Fran García will miss out due to suspension from red cards received in their last outing against Celta Vigo. This leaves Alonso with a depleted squad as he attempts to navigate a challenging away fixture at Mendizorrotza.
Xabi Alonso Under Pressure
Despite showing glimpses of improvement during their recent encounter with Athletic Club at San Mamés, the uncertainty surrounding Xabi Alonso’s future remains palpable. Even a victory against Alavés may not suffice to alleviate the mounting pressure on him. The Basque coach must approach this game as if it could be his last, given the precarious state of affairs within the club. The absence of key players forces him to rethink his tactical approach entirely. He may have to deploy Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense while Federico Valverde could fill in on the right flank—an unorthodox but necessary adjustment.
Vini Jr.’s Redemption Arc
Vinícius Júnior finds himself under scrutiny after a disappointing performance against Manchester City, where he struggled to make an impact and faced jeers from the Bernabéu crowd. The Brazilian must seize this opportunity to prove himself and lead Real Madrid in their domestic campaign, especially with Kylian Mbappé absent from competition. The team has slipped from five points behind Barcelona post-Clásico to now trailing by four points; thus, Vinícius’s resurgence is critical for Madrid’s title aspirations.
Moreover, Gonzalo García is expected to start again after impressing in his debut against City. Their partnership could reignite the spark that shone during the Club World Cup. Rodrygo also aims to build on his recent form; after scoring against Manchester City and showcasing tenacity throughout the match, he is poised for significant contributions whether starting or coming off the bench.
With so much at stake for Real Madrid, this clash against Alavés is not just about securing three points; it’s about restoring confidence and solidarity within a squad facing adversity. Can they rise to the occasion and turn their fortunes around?
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