Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés: Lineups and Tactical Preview

The clash between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés in La Liga is always an exciting event, showcasing the rich history and competitive nature of Spanish football. With Real Madrid’s illustrious status and Alavés’ resilience, fans are always eager to see how both teams will line up and what strategies they will employ. In this article, we will analyse the likely lineups, tactical approaches, and key players to watch in this thrilling encounter.

Real Madrid: A Star-Studded Lineup

Real Madrid, one of the most successful clubs in football history, is known for its attacking flair and tactical discipline. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, the team boasts a mix of experienced stars and emerging talents. Let’s take a closer look at the probable lineup for Real Madrid:

Formation: 4-3-3

1. Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
   • The towering Belgian keeper is known for his excellent shot-stopping ability and command of the area. Courtois plays a crucial role in maintaining Real Madrid’s defensive integrity, especially in high-pressure situations.
2. Defenders:
   • Right Back: Dani Carvajal
     • Carvajal is an experienced right-back known for his overlapping runs and defensive tenacity. His ability to contribute to the attack while remaining solid defensively makes him a key player.
   • Center Back: Éder Militão
     • The Brazilian defender has established himself as a mainstay in Real Madrid’s backline. His pace, strength, and aerial ability make him formidable against opposing attackers.
   • Center Back: David Alaba
     • Alaba, with his versatility and experience, adds stability to the defense. His leadership on the pitch helps organize the backline and initiate attacking plays from deep.
   • Left Back: Ferland Mendy
     • Mendy is known for his speed and agility. His ability to track back quickly while providing width in attack is essential for balancing the team’s play.
3. Midfielders:
   • Central Midfielder: Luka Modrić
     • The Croatian maestro continues to dictate the tempo of the game with his exceptional vision and passing ability. Modrić’s experience in big matches makes him a vital asset in controlling midfield dynamics.
   • Central Midfielder: Toni Kroos
     • Kroos is a technical genius who can control the game from deep. His passing accuracy and ability to switch play allow Real Madrid to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
   • Central Midfielder: Aurelien Tchouaméni
     • The young French midfielder adds dynamism and physicality to the midfield. Tchouaméni’s ability to break up play and transition quickly from defense to attack is crucial for Real Madrid’s overall strategy.
4. Forwards:
   • Right Winger: Rodrygo Goes
     • The Brazilian winger has emerged as a significant threat on the right flank. His dribbling skills and pace make him difficult to defend against, and he can contribute both goals and assists.
   • Striker: Karim Benzema
     • The talismanic striker is pivotal to Real Madrid’s attacking play. Benzema’s goal-scoring ability, technical skills, and link-up play with wingers make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the game.
   • Left Winger: Vinícius Júnior
     • Known for his explosive pace and skill, Vinícius is a constant threat on the left. His ability to take on defenders and create chances makes him a vital part of Real Madrid’s attacking arsenal.

Deportivo Alavés: A Tactical Approach

Deportivo Alavés, while not as historically decorated as Real Madrid, is known for its tenacity and defensive organisation. Managed by Luis García, the team often adopts a pragmatic style, focusing on solid defensive structures and quick counter-attacks. Here’s a look at Deportivo Alavés’ likely lineup:

Formation: 4-2-3-1

1. Goalkeeper: Fernando Pacheco
   • The experienced shot-stopper is crucial for Alavés. Pacheco’s reflexes and ability to organise the defence help maintain stability at the back.
2. Defenders:
   • Right Back: Martín Aguirregabiria
     • Aguirregabiria is known for his work rate and defensive skills. He also supports the attack, providing width and crossing opportunities.
   • Centre Back: Laguardia
     • The central defender is a leader in the backline. Laguardia’s aerial ability and physical presence are key in dealing with set-pieces and crosses.
   • Centre Back: Rodrigo Ely
     • Ely’s defensive prowess and ability to read the game make him a valuable asset in Alavés’ defense. He forms a solid partnership with Laguardia.
   • Left Back: Rubén Duarte
     • Duarte combines defensive solidity with the ability to join the attack. His pace allows him to cover ground quickly, both defensively and offensively.
3. Midfielders:
   • Defensive Midfielder: Tomás Pina
     • Pina is a gritty midfielder known for his tackling and ability to break up opposition play. His role is critical in shielding the defense and initiating counter-attacks.
   • Defensive Midfielder: Víctor Laguardia
     • Another crucial figure in the midfield, Laguardia’s work rate and ability to cover ground help maintain balance in the team’s play.
4. Forwards:
   • Right Winger: Luis Rioja
     • Rioja’s pace and dribbling ability make him a threat on the right. He can create scoring opportunities and stretch the defense.
   • Attacking Midfielder: Manuel García
     • García is the creative force in the midfield, responsible for linking play between midfield and attack. His vision and passing ability are vital for setting up scoring chances.
   • Left Winger: Edgar Méndez
     • Méndez adds width and creativity, making him an essential component of Alavés’ counter-attacking strategy. His ability to deliver accurate crosses can pose problems for opposing defenses.
   • Striker: Joselu
     • The towering striker is known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability. Joselu’s presence in the box makes him a constant threat, especially during set-pieces.

Tactical Analysis

Real Madrid’s Strategy

Real Madrid is expected to adopt an attacking mindset, using possession to control the game. With Modrić and Kroos in midfield, they will look to dictate the tempo, probing for gaps in the Alavés defence. The wingers, Rodrygo and Vinícius, will stretch the play and provide width, allowing Benzema to exploit spaces in and around the box.

Defensively, Madrid will likely maintain a high line, relying on the pace of Militão and Alaba to deal with Alavés’ counter-attacks. Their full-backs will also be expected to join the attack, contributing to both defence and offence.

Deportivo Alavés’ Counter-Attacking Approach

Deportivo Alavés will probably focus on a compact defensive structure, looking to frustrate Real Madrid’s attacking play. The midfield duo of Pina and Laguardia will aim to disrupt Madrid’s rhythm, while the wingers and forward will be positioned to launch quick counter-attacks.

Alavés may sit deeper, absorbing pressure and looking for opportunities to hit Real Madrid on the break. Utilizing set-pieces effectively will also be crucial, as they can capitalize on any defensive lapses from Madrid.

Key Players to Watch

In this encounter, several players will play pivotal roles:

• Karim Benzema (Real Madrid): The French striker’s ability to score and create opportunities will be critical for Madrid’s success. His experience and positioning in the box can turn the tide of the game.
• Luka Modrić (Real Madrid): Modrić will look to control the game from midfield, dictating play and providing creativity. His passing range and vision will be essential in breaking down Alavés’ defense.
• Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): The young winger is a constant threat with his speed and dribbling. His ability to take on defenders and create chances can be game-changing.
• Fernando Pacheco (Deportivo Alavés): The goalkeeper’s performance will be crucial in keeping Alavés competitive. Pacheco’s shot-stopping ability and communication with the defense can make a significant difference.
• Joselu (Deportivo Alavés): The striker’s aerial ability and physical presence in the box will be vital for Alavés, especially in set-piece situations. His goal-scoring instincts can pose a threat to Madrid’s defense.

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés promises to be an intriguing encounter, showcasing contrasting styles of play. With Real Madrid’s attacking flair and Alavés’ resilient defensive strategy, fans can expect a thrilling battle on the pitch. The lineups reflect the strategic intentions of both teams, highlighting key players who can influence the game’s outcome. As the match unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how both teams adapt and respond to each other’s tactics, making this clash a must-watch for football enthusiasts.