Alaves vs Real Madrid: Pressure mounts on alonso as Los Blancos seek vital La Liga win
Table of Contents
Who: Alaves vs Real Madrid
What: Spain’s La Liga
Where: mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria, spain
When: Sunday, December 14, at 9pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We’ll have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT in advance of our text commentary stream.
Real madrid will hope to ease the pressure on Xabi Alonso when they visit Alaves on Sunday, but the record La Liga winners will no that one more defeat could spell the end of the short-lived tenure of their beleaguered manager.
In a welcome show of solidarity, Los Blancos midfielder jude Bellingham said on Wednesday, after their defeat by Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, that the players were behind Alonso and no one was “downing tools”.
More welcome news for the Madrid-based club is that Kylian Mbappe is back in contention for Sunday’s game after missing out against City due to injury.
Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at what is surely a must-not-lose for Alonso, but – with Barcelona seven points clear – may well be a must-win.
How much pressure is mounting on Real Madrid coach Alonso?
Alonso, whom Spanish media reported was set for the sack if Madrid lost against City, remains at the helm despite a 2-1 defeat at a frustrated, whistling Bernabeu.
The hope is that the match, despite the outcome, can be a turning point for a team with just two wins in their last eight games across all competitions.
Alonso’s players rallied around him,with not only Bellingham offering public messages of support after the game and even during it,as goalscorer Rodrygo Goes ran over to hug his manager.
“The only thing we can do is change our attitude … and [against City] we saw a change,” said defender Raul Asencio.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was another Madrid player who backed the coach, and believes the situation will be eased when results turn.
“All of us here support the coach with all our heart, and by winning on Sunday, we will change this dynamic,” said Courtois.
What is Alonso’s take on Real Madrid’s struggles?
After Madrid’s improved display against City, it did not make sense for President Florentino Perez to let the axe fall.
It would be easy to make that call the next time the team stumbles – and if it really is a turning point, and that doesn’t happen, that would work for him too. Particularly given the lack of an obvious replacement.
Alonso, meanwhile, said he hoped Madrid’s current woes could make the team stronger.
“We are having difficulties, but we can grow,” he said.”If we can get past these tough times, change the dynamic, maybe in a few weeks we’ll look back and think ‘we went thru a lot, but it made us stronger.'”
On feeling the criticism and doubts, Alonso said he is not surprised.
“You have to live with it, and when you’re the coach of Real Madrid, you have to be prepared to face it bravely, responsibly.”
Real Madrid Faces Alaves with Mbappe Available, Several Key Players Out
Real Madrid travels to Vitoria-Gasteiz to face Alaves on December 13, 2024, with a boost in their attacking options as Kylian Mbappé is fit to play following a recent league defeat against Manchester City. However, Los Blancos will be without several key players due to injury and suspension.
Team News & updates
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed Mbappé’s availability in a pre-match press conference, stating, “We’ve got Kylian back, he’s ready to play, and we’ll see and decide if he starts], that’s good news obviously.”[https://wwwreuterscom/sports/soccer/mbappe-fit-real-madrid-trip-alaves-alonso-says-2024-12-13/[https://wwwreuterscom/sports/soccer/mbappe-fit-real-madrid-trip-alaves-alonso-says-2024-12-13/
The team will be missing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and eduardo Camavinga through injury. Additionally, Garcia, Carreras, and Endrick are suspended for this match. Defender dean Huijsen is expected to return to the squad. Despite these absences, Alonso expressed confidence in the depth of his team, saying, “Evidently, despite the players we’ve got out, we have strong enough players and a strong enough team.”
Predicted Starting Lineups
Here are the predicted starting lineups for both teams, based on available details:
Alaves Predicted Starting Lineup:
* Goalkeeper: Sivera
* Defenders: Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada
* Midfielder: Guevara
* Forwards: Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach, Boye
Real Madrid Predicted Starting lineup:
* Goalkeeper: Courtois
* Defenders: Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio
* Midfielders: Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos
* Forwards: Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius
Key Takeaways
* Mbappé’s Return: The availability of Kylian Mbappé is a significant boost for Real Madrid’s attack.
* Injury Crisis: Real Madrid is dealing with several injuries to key players, impacting team selection.
* Alaves’ Challenges: Alaves will need a strong performance to overcome Real Madrid, especially with the return of Mbappé.
* Defensive Concerns: With Carvajal and Alexander-Arnold injured, Real Madrid’s defense will be tested.
Looking Ahead
This match presents a challenge for Real Madrid, requiring them to navigate a difficult away fixture with a depleted squad. The return of Mbappé will be crucial in overcoming alaves, but the team will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical flexibility to secure a victory. The result will be vital as Real Madrid continues its campaign in La Liga.
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