Football in Spain has long been synonymous with high-quality play, history, and fierce competition. Among the many fixtures in La Liga, one stands out for its intrigue and occasional surprises: Real Madrid vs Alavés. This matchup offers a unique clash between one of football’s greatest powerhouses and a determined, resilient underdog.
Historical Background of Real Madrid and Alavés
When people hear the name Real Madrid, they immediately think of success, trophies, and legends of the sport. With 14 Champions League titles and 35 La Liga championships, Real Madrid has cemented its place as one of the most successful football clubs in the world. The club has been home to football icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, and Raúl, names that evoke memories of stunning goals and historic victories.
By contrast, Deportivo Alavés, while not as decorated, has carved out its own place in Spanish football. Established in 1921, Alavés has seen its share of highs and lows. Perhaps their most significant achievement was reaching the 2001 UEFA Cup final, where they faced Liverpool in a match remembered for its intensity. Alavés’ determination, even when facing top-tier teams like Real Madrid, has made them a respected name in La Liga.
A Battle of Contrasting Styles
Real Madrid’s Approach
Real Madrid’s approach to the game is heavily defined by its star-studded lineup and tactical depth. The team often uses a 4-3-3 formation, allowing them to control possession and transition quickly between defense and attack.
Karim Benzema, the team’s captain and leading striker, consistently proves to be a match-winner, combining lethal finishing with intelligent playmaking. Wingers like Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo provide blistering pace on the flanks, stretching defenses and creating goal-scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the midfield, often marshaled by the evergreen Luka Modrić, ensures that Madrid controls the game’s tempo with precision passing and creativity.
Alavés’ Defensive Solidity
On the other hand, Alavés takes a more cautious and calculated approach, particularly when facing dominant teams like Real Madrid. Known for their compact defensive structure, Alavés often lines up in a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation. This setup allows them to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks when opportunities arise.
Joselu, Alavés’ leading striker, provides a strong physical presence upfront. His ability to hold the ball and bring others into play makes him a crucial part of Alavés’ counter-attacking strategy. Meanwhile, players like Luis Rioja use their speed to exploit the spaces left by Real Madrid’s attacking full-backs, turning defense into offense in a matter of seconds.
Key Players to Watch
For Real Madrid
- Karim Benzema: The French forward continues to be Real Madrid’s talisman, combining his goal-scoring ability with a sharp footballing mind. His ability to link up with teammates makes him a constant threat to opposition defenses.
- Vinícius Júnior: This young Brazilian winger has been a revelation. His speed, dribbling skills, and attacking flair have seen him become a fan favorite and a key component of Madrid’s offensive line.
- Luka Modrić: Despite his age, Modrić remains one of the finest midfielders in the world. His vision, ball control, and tactical awareness help Real Madrid maintain dominance in the middle of the park.
For Alavés
- Joselu: The towering forward is vital to Alavés’ attack, using his strength and finishing ability to trouble opposition defenders. He’s also excellent at holding the ball up, giving his teammates time to support the attack.
- Luis Rioja: A pacey winger, Rioja’s dribbling and crossing ability often provide the chances Alavés needs to capitalize on their counter-attacking opportunities.
- Víctor Laguardia: At the heart of Alavés’ defense, Laguardia is a reliable and commanding presence. His leadership on the field is critical in organizing the backline and keeping the opposition at bay.
Key Tactical Differences
Real Madrid’s Tactical Superiority
With their possession-based style, Real Madrid focuses on maintaining control and wearing down opponents. Their attacking full-backs, such as Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, provide width, making it difficult for teams like Alavés to defend. Madrid’s ability to overload opposition defenses with forward runs, especially from their wide players, creates constant pressure.
Alavés’ Counter-Attacking Threat
In contrast, Alavés adopts a more pragmatic strategy, particularly when they’re up against heavyweights like Real Madrid. Their focus on maintaining a solid defensive shape and hitting on the break makes them dangerous in transition. When they can recover the ball in their defensive third, players like Rioja and Joselu are ready to exploit any gaps left by Madrid’s attacking full-backs.
Memorable Matches: Real Madrid vs Alavés
Throughout the years, Real Madrid and Alavés have produced some thrilling matches. For instance, in January 2021, Real Madrid triumphed with a 4-1 victory, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, Alavés stunned Madrid with a 2-1 win in November 2020 at the Santiago Bernabéu, a reminder that even giants can fall to determined opposition.
These matches highlight the unpredictable nature of this fixture. While Real Madrid is often the overwhelming favorite, Alavés has proven that they can deliver an upset when the opportunity arises.
The Impact of the Venue: Santiago Bernabéu and Estadio Mendizorrotza
The venue often plays a significant role in shaping the outcome of the Real Madrid vs Alavés fixture. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid enjoys immense home-field advantage. The iconic stadium, with its capacity to hold more than 80,000 fans, creates a pressure cooker atmosphere that can be overwhelming for visiting teams.
However, Alavés’ Estadio Mendizorrotza offers a stark contrast. Smaller and more intimate, the stadium’s atmosphere is electric when the home team plays against a giant like Real Madrid. The passionate home crowd has often been the 12th man, inspiring Alavés to perform beyond expectations.
Conclusion: A Fixture of Passion and Possibility
The Real Madrid vs Alavés fixture epitomizes the beauty of football. It’s a contest between overwhelming strength and tactical discipline, between history and resilience. While Real Madrid boasts the talent and resources of a global football superpower, Alavés brings heart, determination, and the ability to surprise even the most formidable opponents.
In the end, it is this mix of predictability and unpredictability that keeps fans returning to this fixture year after year.
Image Courtesy: Photo by RF._.studio
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