Who: Alaves vs Real Madrid
What: Spain’s La Liga
Where: Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria, Spain
When: Sunday, December 14, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: Catch all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.
Pressure Mounts on Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso
As Real Madrid prepares to face Alaves, the stakes couldn’t be higher for manager Xabi Alonso. Following a series of disappointing performances, including a recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, the pressure on Alonso is palpable. A loss against Alaves could very well signal the end of his brief managerial stint at the club.
The players seem to be rallying behind their coach. Midfielder Jude Bellingham publicly expressed solidarity, asserting that the squad is united and not “downing tools.” Additionally, the return of star player Kylian Mbappe from injury provides a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered team.
Assessing the Pressure on Alonso
Despite a disappointing performance at the Bernabeu, where fans voiced their frustrations, Alonso remains at the helm. The Spanish media has suggested that his job was on the line after the Manchester City defeat. Here are some key points on the situation:
- Alonso’s team has only managed two wins in their last eight games.
- Players like Rodrygo Goes have shown their support, emphasizing the need for a change in attitude.
- Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois reassured fans that the team stands firmly behind Alonso.
Alonso’s Perspective on the Team’s Challenges
In the wake of recent struggles, Alonso expressed a desire for the team to emerge stronger from adversity. He acknowledges the criticism but remains optimistic about the potential for change:
- “We are having difficulties, but we can grow,” he stated.
- He believes overcoming these challenges could lead to a stronger squad in the long run.
Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Real Madrid’s last La Liga outing was a disaster, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, which saw two players sent off. This has left the team shorthanded for the upcoming match against Alaves:
- Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia will be suspended for the game.
- Alonso will need to rely on his remaining squad to deliver a much-needed victory.
Glimmers of Hope for the Future
There are signs of improvement within the squad, notably with Rodrygo regaining his form after a lengthy scoring drought. His recent performance against Manchester City showcased his potential, and Alonso highlighted Rodrygo’s return to form as a positive development.
Vinicius Junior and Team Dynamics
While Rodrygo shines, Vinicius Junior’s recent performances have been less convincing. Reports suggest a rift between him and Alonso following a controversial substitution in October. It remains to be seen whether the team can maintain a cohesive effort moving forward:
- Alonso’s ability to unify the squad will be crucial in the upcoming matches.
- The team’s work ethic will be tested against Alaves.
Looking at Alaves’ Season
Alaves has shown resilience at home, managing to secure victories and climb the league table. They currently stand mid-table and are eyeing European qualification, making them a formidable opponent for Madrid:
- Only two losses at home this season highlight their strength at Mendizorroza.
- Recent performances indicate a team capable of challenging higher-ranked opponents.
Previous Encounters
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated the head-to-head with Alaves, winning 23 out of their 29 encounters. The last match ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for Madrid, showcasing their superiority but also the potential for surprises.
Team News Ahead of the Match
For Alaves and Real Madrid, injuries and suspensions will play a significant role in their lineups:
- Alaves: Nikola Maras and Facundo Garces are unavailable; Jon Guridi will be assessed before the match.
- Real Madrid: Kylian Mbappe is fit, but several key players remain sidelined, including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Eduardo Camavinga.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Alaves: Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Guevara; Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach; Boye
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio; Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius
The match between Alaves and Real Madrid is poised to be a critical turning point for both teams. As we approach this exciting encounter, the question remains: can Real Madrid turn their fortunes around, or will Alaves continue their impressive home form?
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