Real Madrid: Pressure Mounts Ahead of Alavés Clash

As the clock ticks down to their crucial match against Deportivo Alavés, Real Madrid finds itself in a precarious position. The Merengues will travel to the Estadio Mendizorrotza this Sunday, December 14, with the urgent need to secure three points in La Liga. Currently trailing FC Barcelona by seven points, a loss could further widen the gap and intensify the scrutiny on head coach Carlo Ancelotti. While Alavés sits comfortably in 11th place, they come into this match without pressure, which could make them a dangerous opponent.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Real Madrid as they aim to halt a troubling trend of only two wins in their last eight matches. With the season nearing its halfway point, the team must regain its footing before it’s too late. A victory against Alavés not only serves the purpose of restoring confidence but also prevents Barcelona from pulling further ahead in the title race. Historically, this matchup has favored Real Madrid; however, Alavés has not lost at home to them since 2018—a statistic that looms large ahead of kick-off.

Key Players to Watch

Rodrygo emerges as a pivotal figure for Madrid following his recent resurgence. After an 281-day goal drought, he finally found the net again and was instrumental in their last Champions League outing against Manchester City. If he can replicate that form, his contributions could prove invaluable for Ancelotti’s side. Expectations are high that he will start this match, and his ability to create scoring opportunities could be key to breaking down Alavés’ defense.

Tactical Insights

Despite recent struggles, Madrid’s attacking unit shows signs of life with Kylian Mbappé back in action alongside Rodrygo. However, defensive frailties continue to plague them; their backline has been inconsistent, leaving room for Alavés to exploit weaknesses. Experts predict that both teams are likely to score, given Madrid’s attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities. The odds reflect this sentiment, with a strong likelihood of goals coming from both sides.

As anticipation builds for this encounter, fans are left wondering whether Real Madrid can rise to the occasion or if they will falter under pressure once again. With so much at stake, every moment counts in what promises to be an intense battle on the Basque soil.