Overview
Real Madrid entered the midweek match in a state of instability after a 4-match winless streak in all competitions. This result puts them at risk of going empty-handed this season.
In La Liga, the 1-2 defeat to Mallorca and the 1-1 draw with Girona caused the Royal team to be 9 points behind Barcelona when the season is only 7 rounds away, although there is still a decisive El Clasico ahead.
In the European arena, Real Madrid also faced difficulties after losing 1-2 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Although at one point leading 3-2 in Munich to equalize the total score, Eduardo Camavinga's red card in the 86th minute became a turning point.
The controversial decision to send them off caused Los Blancos to lose the game, letting Bayern score 2 consecutive goals at the end of the match and pushing them to the risk of stopping in the Champions League quarter-finals for the second consecutive season.
In the context of the title race becoming distant, pressure began to fall on coach Alvaro Arbeloa along with the plan to rebuild the squad for next season. However, the immediate task is still to achieve positive results when hosting Deportivo Alaves at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid has a basis for confidence when they have won all 8 recent encounters with Alaves, including a 2-1 victory at Mendizorroza in December.
On the opposite side, Alaves is showing signs of improvement under Quique Sanchez Flores. Although not yet stable, the Basque team is playing emotionally with impressive score chases.
The 4-3 comeback victory against Celta Vigo is clear evidence, while Lucas Boye emerged as a trump card with important goals from the bench, helping his team win dramatic draws against Osasuna and Real Sociedad.
Currently, Alaves has 33 points after 31 matches, only 1 point ahead of the relegation group. With a still challenging schedule, each match is of vital importance.
Against an unstable Real Madrid, Alaves can see the away match at the Bernabeu as a rare opportunity to re-establish a historic victory in 2020. However, to do that, they are forced to improve their defense when they have conceded 3 goals/match in the last 3 away games.
Personnel situation
Real Madrid will not have the service of defender Raul Asencio due to gastroenteritis. This is a significant loss in the context that the Royal team's defense is already unstable.
In attack, Rodrygo will be sidelined for a long time after an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered from the beginning of March, significantly affecting the attacking power of the Bernabeu home team.
In the goalkeeper position, Andrey Lunin continues to be trusted to start instead of Thibaut Courtois, who has been absent for the last 5 matches due to a thigh injury.
Positive news for Real Madrid is the return of Aurelien Tchouameni after suspension, helping to strengthen the midfield. In addition, Alvaro Carreras is a considered option for the left-back position.
On the other side, Deportivo Alaves does not have any new injuries, although Carlos Benavidez is still missing due to fitness issues.
However, they will not have the service of Abde Rebbach due to suspension after receiving enough yellow cards. It is likely that Yusi will be chosen to replace him on the left wing.
In attack, Lucas Boye is fiercely competing for a starting spot, after recent impressive performances.
Expected lineup:
Real Madrid: Lunin, Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Sivera, Perez, Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Yusi, Ibanez, Blanco, Guridi, Martinez, Boye.
The match between Real Madrid and Alaves takes place at 2:30 am on April 22 (Vietnam time).
