Match Information
Match Overview
Real Madrid host Alaves at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 21 for a crucial Matchday 33 encounter in La Liga's Regular Season. With the season approaching its climax, this fixture carries significant implications for both teams' objectives, as Real Madrid currently sit second in the table while Alaves occupy 17th position, perilously close to the relegation zone.
Recent form presents a stark contrast in momentum and expectations. Real Madrid have endured a turbulent period under Alvaro Arbeloa's management, collecting just four points from their last four La Liga matches. Their disappointing sequence includes a 2-1 defeat at Mallorca on April 4 and a frustrating 1-1 home draw against Girona on April 10. This poor domestic run has been compounded by their demanding Champions League commitments, including a 1-2 home defeat to Bayern München on April 7 that has added pressure to their European campaign. The fixture congestion has clearly impacted their domestic consistency, with fatigue potentially becoming a factor in their below-par performances.
Alaves, managed by Quique Sanchez Flores, have shown resilience in their battle against relegation. Their recent form demonstrates fighting spirit, remaining unbeaten in their last three La Liga outings. The 4-3 victory at Celta Vigo on March 22 showcased their attacking potential, while draws against Osasuna on April 5 and Real Sociedad on April 11 have provided valuable points in their survival bid. This positive momentum has been crucial for a team in their league position, suggesting they will arrive at the Bernabéu with confidence despite the daunting venue.
Neither squad reports injury concerns, meaning both managers can select from their full complement of players. This availability could prove decisive for Alaves, who will need their strongest possible lineup to trouble a Real Madrid side desperate to return to winning ways in La Liga. The home team's recent inconsistency, combined with Alaves' improved form, sets up an intriguing encounter where the visitors may sense an opportunity.
Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid
Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Asencio, Garcia; Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga, Diaz; Mbappe, Vinicius Junior
Alaves
Sivera; Perez, Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Rebbach; Ibanez, Blanco, Guridi; Martinez, Diabate
Team Form Analysis
Real Madrid
League Position: 2Real Madrid Form Analysis
Real Madrid's recent domestic form has been deeply concerning for a club of their stature, managing just one victory in their last five La Liga matches. The sequence began promisingly with a thrilling 3-2 home triumph over city rivals Atletico Madrid on March 22, but their form has deteriorated significantly since then. The 2-1 defeat at Mallorca on April 4 exposed defensive vulnerabilities, while the 1-1 draw with Girona at home on April 10 highlighted their struggles to break down organized opposition.
Their attacking output has been inconsistent despite possessing world-class forwards like Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. The team has managed to score in most fixtures but lacks the clinical edge expected from their star-studded lineup. Defensively, they have been particularly suspect away from home, conceding crucial goals that have cost them valuable points in the title race.
The Champions League commitments have clearly affected their domestic rhythm, with the 1-2 home defeat to Bayern München on April 7 adding mental and physical strain. Under Alvaro Arbeloa's management, the team appears to be struggling with consistency and tactical cohesion. Their second-place league position suggests underlying quality, but recent performances indicate they must rediscover their winning formula quickly to maintain their title aspirations.
Alaves
League Position: 17Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves have demonstrated remarkable resilience in their fight against relegation, showing significant improvement under Quique Sanchez Flores' guidance. Their recent unbeaten run in La Liga has been crucial for their survival hopes, with the team showing both defensive solidity and attacking threat. The standout performance came in their 4-3 victory at Celta Vigo on March 22, where they displayed impressive character to secure three vital points in an entertaining encounter.
Their subsequent matches have shown tactical discipline and fighting spirit. The 2-2 home draw against Osasuna on April 5 demonstrated their ability to compete against teams in similar league positions, while the 3-3 draw at Real Sociedad on April 11 highlighted their capacity to trouble higher-quality opposition. These results suggest improved confidence and tactical organization within the squad.
Defensively, Alaves have been more compact in recent weeks, though they remain vulnerable to quick transitions and set-pieces. Their attacking approach has become more direct and purposeful, with players like Martinez and Diabate providing genuine goal threats. The midfield combination has shown better balance, allowing them to compete physically while creating opportunities going forward. This improved form has coincided with their fight for survival, demonstrating the team's mental strength when facing adversity.
Head-to-Head
Real Madrid
Alaves
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-14 | Alaves | 1 - 2 | Real Madrid |
| 2025-04-13 | Alaves | 0 - 1 | Real Madrid |
| 2024-09-24 | Real Madrid | 3 - 2 | Alaves |
| 2024-05-14 | Real Madrid | 5 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2023-12-21 | Alaves | 0 - 1 | Real Madrid |
| 2022-02-19 | Real Madrid | 3 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2021-08-14 | Alaves | 1 - 4 | Real Madrid |
| 2021-01-23 | Alaves | 1 - 4 | Real Madrid |
| 2020-11-28 | Real Madrid | 1 - 2 | Alaves |
| 2020-07-10 | Real Madrid | 2 - 0 | Alaves |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these clubs has been dominated by Real Madrid, but several encounters have provided memorable moments. The December 14, 2025 meeting at Mendizorroza ended 1-2 in favor of the visitors, with Alaves putting up spirited resistance before succumbing to Real Madrid's quality in the final stages. That match exemplified the typical pattern of these fixtures, where Alaves compete admirably but ultimately fall short against superior individual talent.
The September 24, 2024 encounter at the Bernabéu produced a thrilling 3-2 victory for Real Madrid, showcasing both teams' attacking capabilities. Alaves twice fought back to level the score, demonstrating their refusal to be overawed by the occasion and venue. However, perhaps the most notable recent result was Alaves' stunning 2-1 victory at the Bernabéu in November 2020, a rare triumph that highlighted their ability to produce surprise results against elite opposition when everything aligns perfectly.
Venue Factor
The Santiago Bernabéu traditionally provides Real Madrid with significant advantage, though recent home form has been inconsistent under current management. The iconic venue's atmosphere and prestige can intimidate visiting teams, but Alaves have shown in previous encounters that they won't be overawed by the occasion. Their tactical discipline and recent confidence suggest they may approach this fixture without the fear that has historically handicapped smaller clubs at this venue.
Real Madrid's home record this season has been mixed, with their recent 1-1 draw against Girona demonstrating that the Bernabéu is not the fortress it once was. The crowd's expectations can also create pressure on the home team, particularly when results haven't met standards. Alaves' improved away form, including their recent draw at Real Sociedad, indicates they possess the mental strength to compete in hostile environments. The venue factor remains important, but Quique Sanchez Flores' team has shown they can rise to big occasions when survival points are at stake.
Injury Concerns
Real Madrid
No injuries reported
Alaves
