Alaves will host Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid on Sunday at the Estadio de Mendizorroza for a crucial LaLiga match as the guests need to react after a challenging week where the Blancos lost twice in a few days, first at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu against Valencia last weekend and then in the historical 3-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal. Before meeting the English giants again on Wednesday for the Champions League quarterfinal second leg, Ancelotti’s side need a victory against Alaves to stay competitive with FC Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid in the league.
Real Madrid are expected to make several changes ahead of the Champions League’s return leg, and thus we should see Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. starting together against Alaves. Ancelotti stated ahead of the game, “I want to see a Madrid that is capable of regaining our good sense. It’s clear that everyone is thinking about Wednesday’s match, but that depends on tomorrow’s performance. We’re still in the fight for the league; we must play well and win. We’ve discussed giving a good performance and trying to pull through.”
Ancelotti was also queried about his future, as speculations regarding a possible sacking have surfaced after the defeat by Arsenal.
“This isn’t a question you need to direct at me. The contract is quite clear; I have four years. We will discuss the future at the conclusion of the season. I have nothing else to add. The club has always supported me, especially in rough times,” he shared.
With Barcelona’s win over Leganes on Saturday due to an own goal, Real finds themselves four points behind Barca.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, April 13
- Time: 10:15 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de Mendizorroza — Vitoria Gasteiz, Spain
- Live Stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Alaves +425; Draw +300; Real Madrid -165
Projected Lineups for the Match
Alaves XI:
- Jesus Owono; Santiago Mourino, Abdel Abqar, Moussa Diarra, Manu Sanchez; Joan Jordan, Antonio Blanco; Carlos Vicente, Carles Alena, Carlos Martin; Kike Garcia.
Real Madrid XI: - Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vazquez, Raul Asencio, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fran Garcia; Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric; Rodrygo, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz; Endrick.
