Preview: Alaves vs Real Madrid

Written by Onyeka Daniel

Alaves will be taking on Real Madrid in their league opener for the new season at Mendizorroza stadium. Both teams would be looking to start their season on a good note.

After allowing its captain, Sergio Ramos, to leave on a free transfer and the sale of his partner Raphael Varane to Manchester United, the Los Blancos would be banking on their summer acquisition, David Alaba who arrived on a free transfer to provide the needed defensive solidity.

With much of the squad largely untouched, Real Madrid would be banking on the experience of their coach, Carlo Ancelotti to achieve their target for the season.

Alaves will be hoping to have a better campaign than the previous season where they managed to escape relegation by just four points, finishing 16th on the table even though they’ve had a very quiet summer transfer window.

Style of Play

Alaves coach, Javier Calleja usually sets up his team in a 4-3-3 formation (flat) but he can sometimes adopt a 4-4-2 formation, this is usually against teams that they’re on par with in terms of quality.

This formation (4-3-3) allows them to stay compact while looking for a quick break to launch a counter attack especially against bigger teams.

Real Madrid also play the same formation (4-3-3) but they’re usually on the front foot, looking to break down the defensive wall of their opponents with their two wingers while the midfielders are the link between the defense and attack.

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Form

This being the first match of the new La Liga season, both teams have played some friendly matches in preparation.

Alaves preseason has been hot and cold, losing to Real Sociedad (3-1) and Elche (1-0) while defeating Levante (1-0), Al Nasr (4-3) and Mirandes (1-0).

While Real Madrid didn’t win any of their preseason matches, – lost to Rangers (2-1) and drew with Ac Milan (0-0) – It should be noted that much of their first team players were on holidays during the pre-season training.

Head to Head

Real Madrid should go into this tie looking to get all three points as they’re the better team on paper. Also, they have a better head-to-head record against their opponent. In their last seven meetings, the Los Blancos have won five while Alaves won just two.

In their most recent match, Real Madrid lost at home to Alaves (2-1), but exerted their revenge in the reverse fixture, winning (4-1).

Players to watch

Alaves would be banking on their striker, Joselu to bang in the goals as they seek an upset against the Los Blancos, They haven’t found the net in their five previous meetings against Real Madrid.

Key Players and Absences

Benzema would be hoping to continue from where he stopped from last season, scoring two goals the last time the two sides met at the same stadium. He was the top scorer for the club last season, finding the net 23 times.

Verdict

Real Madrid is expected to win this tie as they look to get their hands on the La Liga title which they narrowly lost to Atletico Madrid last season. (3-1 with a brace from Benzema).

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About Author

Olugbenga Olonade

I’m Olugbenga and I have a passion for writing. I enjoy writing about sports, football especially and I take pleasure in immersing myself in learning about new and exciting areas. I’ve written for over a decade but about nine years, professionally. I enjoy watching football and talking about sports in general just as much as researching any given topic in order to create exciting and engaging content.

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