Real Madrid are seeking a rebound following a humbling 1-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 first leg on Tuesday. Although Real Madrid conceded just one goal, they could have lost by more.
Los Blancos’ attack struggled against the Parisians and coach Carlo Ancelotti will be glad that the side still has a chance to come back in the second leg. Before Real Madrid play the second leg of the Champions League round of 16, they will face off with Alaves in La Liga.
🎥⚽ 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 | Our final training session ahead of #RealMadridAlavés! https://t.co/l5HpgFrXfF— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 18, 2022
🎥⚽ 𝙇𝙄𝙑𝙀 | Our final training session ahead of #RealMadridAlavés! https://t.co/l5HpgFrXfF
Real Madrid won once in their last six games in all competitions. Their poor form should give Alaves some confidence going to the capital for this weekend’s match.
Deportivo are 18th in the La Liga standings and four points off of safety. Jose Luis Mendilibar’s team is coming off of a shock 2-1 win against Valencia last time out. The win ended a three-game losing streak by the club.
Alaves took five points from the last 18 points available in the division. They scored a paltry four goals across those six matches.
Real Madrid picked up 11 points from the last 18 points available. They scored nine goals and conceded five times. Los Blancos are looking over their shoulders in the La Liga title race.
Sevilla are just four points back of Real Madrid. Los Rojiblancos do not play until Sunday, which gives Real Madrid the chance to extend their lead to seven points and put further pressure on Sevilla. Had Sevilla not draw three of their last four games, they would be ahead of Real Madrid in the standings.
Mendilibar will be without defender Victor Laguardia. The defender will serve a suspension this weekend. Mendilibar will likely deploy striker Joselu in attack. The striker has 12 goals in 24 games for Alaves this season. The team has scored just 19 goals in the division, the fewest in La Liga.
Joselu scored when these teams played earlier this season. His goal came from the penalty spot. Ancelotti, on the other hand, has no injuries ahead of the game.
The last time Alaves went to Madrid to play Los Blancos, they claimed a 2-1 win. Since then, Real Madrid have won back-to-back games against Deportivo by identical 4-1 scorelines.
Saturday’s game at the Santiago Bernabeu should end in a third straight win for Real Madrid. Like the last three meetings between these clubs, it will feature both teams scoring goals and over 2.5 goals.