You’d think a clash between the league leader and a team hovering just above the relegation zone would be predictable. One-sided. Maybe even a little boring. But Alavés vs. Real Madrid this Sunday? It’s anything but. There’s tension in the air—not just because Madrid’s title hopes hang in the balance, but because Alavés is fighting for its life. And when survival meets legacy, you get a football match that feels more like a street brawl wrapped in finesse.
Real Madrid: Rotation or Risk?
Carlo Ancelotti’s been walking a tightrope lately. After back-to-back bruises—first from Valencia, then a gut-punch of a loss to Arsenal in the Champions League—he’s choosing to shuffle the deck. Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Jr. are sitting this one out (at least initially), probably wrapped in layers of recovery gel and prayers for the midweek rematch. Instead, it’s Arda Güler’s time to shine, sliding into a frontline alongside Rodrygo and the ever-dynamic Kylian Mbappé.
Now, is this strategy brilliant or borderline reckless? That’s up for debate. But one thing’s for sure: Ancelotti knows he can’t afford another misstep—not with Barcelona breathing down their necks and Europe watching closely.
Alavés: Home Turf, Heavy Pressure
On the other end, Alavés is staring down a different kind of monster: the bottom of the table. Sitting just two points clear of the drop, their fight isn’t about glory—it’s about staying alive. And for a club like this, playing at Mendizorroza isn’t just a fixture. It’s personal.
Here’s the kicker: they’re not at full strength. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, midfielder Jon Guridi, and attacker Tomás Conechny are all out due to suspension. That’s like losing the engine, the brakes, and the steering wheel—on a day you’re racing a Ferrari.
Still, this squad isn’t just showing up to shake hands and take the loss. Coach Luis García Plaza is known for squeezing every drop of fight from his players. Expect Carlos Martín to press like his life depends on it. Kike García? He’ll be that thorn in the side of Madrid’s backline all afternoon.
A Game of Two Agendas
While Madrid’s staring at the trophy shelf, Alavés is just trying to avoid the trap door. But here’s the weird beauty of La Liga: these two storylines don’t cancel each other out—they collide, full force. The result? An unpredictable, maybe even messy game where anything can happen.
Madrid may control possession. They may pass the ball around like it’s a casual Sunday brunch. But one slip—one moment of brilliance or madness—and Alavés could nick a goal that sends shockwaves through the league.
What to Watch (or Shout At)
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Güler’s performance: Can he rise to the moment with the giants resting?
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Alavés’s grit: Will they crumble under pressure or tap into something deeper?
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Ancelotti’s poker face: Resting key players is a gamble—will it pay off, or blow back?
Final Thoughts? Not So Final…
This isn’t a title decider, technically. But emotionally? It could define Madrid’s momentum—or lack thereof—heading into Europe. And for Alavés? A point here might be worth more than a win elsewhere. Football has a funny way of turning supposed “easy games” into mini-dramas.
So yeah—if you’re tuning in expecting a quiet afternoon, think again. This one’s got grit, stakes, and just enough chaos to keep you yelling at the screen.
And who doesn’t love a little chaos on a Sunday?