Real Madrid will continue their bid to keep pace with an in-form Barcelona when they host Deportivo Alaves in La Liga on Tuesday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men made it four wins in succession across all competitions when they swatted Espanyol aside 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu last weekend. However, Barca have flown out of the blocks to win six out of six and lead the embryonic table by four points.
Ancelotti will be mindful to use his resources wisely this midweek. Madrid's injury list has eased slightly, especially in midfield as Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni have started each of the past two matches. However, the small matter of a derby showdown across town against Atletico Madrid on Sunday is looming on the horizon.
If Los Blancos' focus is compromised by El Derbi, then Alaves might be well-placed to capitalise following a quietly impressive start to the campaign. Luis Garcia Plaza's men lie seventh after chalking up a third win in their opening six matches against Sevilla last time out.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Alaves
US-based fans will be able to see Real Madrid vs Alaves on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes.
Fans in the USA can tune in to watch Real Madrid vs Alaves at 15:00 ET / 12:00 PT.
Real Madrid Team News
Jude Bellingham took a knock to his shoulder against Espanyol and might rest up on the bench here. Conversely, Vinicius Junior and Endrick were on the bench at the weekend and might come in from the start.
Dani Carvajal was withdrawn after an hour due to an ankle injury, meaning Lucas Vazquez is poised to slot in at right-back.
Eduardo Camavinga is still sidelined with an MCL injury, while Dani Ceballos nurses ankle damage and Brahim Diaz has a hamstring issue. David Alaba is a long-term absentee.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup
(4-3-3, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy — Valverde, Tchouameni Guler — Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Alaves Team News
Garcia has no injury concerns aside from goalkeeper Jesus Owono being sidelined with a muscular injury.
Winger Carlos Vicente and striker Toni Martinez will carry Alaves' major threat and have two goals apiece this season.
Alaves Predicted Lineup
(4-2-3-1 right to left): Sivera (GK) — Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Sanchez — Guevara, Jordan — Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin — Martinez.
Key Matchup
Only Espanyol average less of the ball per game than Alaves this season and Madrid struggled to control transitions on Saturday. The visitors' style will make life difficult for the hosts and Ancelotti's necessary changes could hinder the hosts' fluency.
Overall, this is a Madrid team that is failing to control games and their opponents are bound to enjoy periods where they'll feel on top. Alaves should create chances on the counter, but can they shut out their superstar-studded hosts? Their defensive record is respectable through six games and this is unlikely to be a walk in the park for Madrid as it was in May. Ancelotti's side will have to work incredibly hard for all three points.
A Bit of History
Real Madrid faces Deportivo Alavés in a LA Liga soccer match on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024 (9/24/24) at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
Final Thoughts
A lot will depend on how Carlo Ancelotti manages his squad and how well Alaves can hold out against Madrid's attack. If Los Blancos' focus is compromised by El Derbi, then Alaves might be well-placed to capitalise following a quietly impressive start to the campaign.
The visitors are unlikely to be daunted by a visit to the Santiago Bernabeu, having produced a spirited performance and taken a point away at the Camp Nou on the opening weekend of the season. This game will be a real test for both sides and will be an interesting one to watch, especially as it could have some implications for the rest of the season.
