Real Madrid: A Crucial Test Awaits at Alavés’ Mendizorroza

As Real Madrid prepares to face Alavés at Mendizorroza, the stakes are higher than a typical La Liga encounter. The Basque side, known for their resilience at home, poses a rugged and unpredictable challenge that could complicate matters for the giants of Spanish football. With Xabi Alonso‘s position under scrutiny following back-to-back defeats against Celta Vigo and Manchester City, this match becomes pivotal for both his future and the squad’s morale.

Currently sitting 11th in La Liga, Alavés may not appear formidable on paper, but their ability to disrupt the rhythm of more illustrious opponents makes them a dangerous adversary. They have secured 14 points at home, ranking them 8th in the league for home performances. For Real Madrid, who are seeking stability and consistency, this fixture demands utmost focus and seriousness. It’s an opportunity to delve into three key aspects that define Alavés…

Offensive Limitations but Tactical Discipline

Alavés has struggled offensively this season, managing only 13 goals—one of the lowest tallies in La Liga. This statistic might raise eyebrows, yet it underscores a deliberate tactical philosophy under Eduardo Coudet. The team prioritizes defensive solidity, opting to stifle spaces and slow down the pace of the game rather than engaging in high-risk attacking play. The average number of goals scored in Alavés matches reflects this conservative approach, making it challenging for dominant teams like Real Madrid to break through. The key for Los Blancos will be to differentiate between control and stagnation; patience must be coupled with precision and continuous movement to avoid falling into a comfortable rhythm that benefits their opponents.

A Physical Challenge Awaits

Alavés is not just about defensive organization; they thrive on physicality. The intensity of their duels and the aggressive pressing in specific areas create a combative atmosphere that can unsettle even the most seasoned teams. In their last encounter with Real Madrid, Alavés demonstrated this tenacity with four yellow cards and one red card, highlighting their sometimes excessive but rarely innocuous commitment to the game. Playing at Mendizorroza amplifies this aggression as the home crowd passionately supports their team, transforming every challenge into a battleground. For Real Madrid, there lies a dual threat: getting drawn into an emotional tussle that could cloud their judgment while also managing to keep composure amidst potential provocations.

Carlos Vicente: The Key Threat

In a squad that is generally not inclined towards attacking flair, Carlos Vicente stands out as a focal point in Alavés’ offensive setup. With three goals to his name this season—often scored in tightly contested matches—he embodies the type of player capable of capitalizing on even the slightest defensive lapses from teams like Real Madrid. Proficient at converting penalties and adept at finding space within crowded areas, Vicente is crucial during Alavés’ rare moments of danger. Given Real Madrid’s recent defensive vulnerabilities, Vicente represents a quiet yet formidable threat; one misplaced tackle or poorly timed transition could alter the course of the match dramatically.

The players under Xabi Alonso must remain vigilant: against Alavés, every detail matters and could turn the tide of what appears to be an unassuming fixture into a significant hurdle.