Real Madrid prepares to host Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, April 5, 2025, in a LaLiga fixture that carries significant weight in the title race. With Barcelona pressing hard at the top of the table, Carlo Ancelotti’s side cannot afford to drop points against a struggling Alavés side fighting to avoid relegation. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Local time (15:00 UTC), and the match will be televised globally through official LaLiga broadcasters.
As of Friday’s final training session at Ciudad Deportiva, Real Madrid confirmed several key absences that will shape the starting XI. Thibaut Courtois remains sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue, continuing his absence since mid-March. David Alaba is too out, recovering from knee surgery performed in February, while Éder Militão serves a one-match suspension following his red card in the derby against Atlético Madrid. Aurélien Tchouaméni returned to light training but was not cleared for match action, leaving a gap in midfield depth.
In goal, Andriy Lunin is expected to start for the third consecutive LaLiga match, having kept two clean sheets in recent outings against Girona and Las Palmas. The defensive line will likely feature Lucas Vázquez at right-back, with Fran García pushing for the left-back spot after a strong performance in training. In the center, Antonio Rüdiger and Jesús Vallejo are the most probable pairing, with Vallejo earning his first start of the season due to the defensive absences. Nacho Fernández remains available as a backup option but is unlikely to displace Vallejo if the young center-back maintains his recent form.
Midfield presents the most tactical dilemma for Ancelotti. With Tchouaméni doubtful and Eduardo Camavinga suspended for accumulating yellow cards, the responsibility falls on Luka Modrić, Federico Valverde, and Dani Ceballos to control the tempo. Modrić, now 39, continues to defy age with his positional intelligence, while Valverde offers the box-to-box energy needed to press Alavés’ high line. Ceballos, returning from a minor thigh strain, is expected to provide creative spark in the advanced midfield role, though his fitness will be monitored closely.
Up front, Kylian Mbappé is fit and ready to lead the line after scoring in both of his last two appearances. Vinícius Júnior operates on the left, having rediscovered his form with three goals in the last four league matches. Rodrygo, who has been rotated recently, is likely to start on the right, giving Ancelotti flexibility to shift to a 4-2-3-1 if needed. Joselu remains the backup striker, though his minutes have been limited as Mbappé cements his role as the primary No. 9.
On the other side, Alavés arrives in Madrid with little to lose but everything to prove. The Basque side sits 18th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, and has won only once in their last eight league matches. Manager Luis García Plaza confirmed that striker Santi Mina is unavailable due to a calf strain, while defender Álex Battaglia serves a suspension after his fifth yellow card. Midfielder Antonio Sivera is questionable with a groin issue, though he trained partially on Friday and may make the bench.
Alavés is expected to line up in a compact 4-4-2, aiming to frustrate Real Madrid’s build-up and hit on the counter. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, if fit, will start; otherwise, veteran Fernando Pacheco will retain his place. The back four should feature Óscar Duarte and Iván Balliu on the flanks, with Abdel Abqar and Rubén Duarte forming the central partnership. In midfield, Jesús Gómez and Jon Guridi will gaze to win second balls, while Luis Rioja and Ander Guevara provide width. Up front, Samuel Omorodion and Miguel de la Fuente are the likeliest strikers, with Omorodion’s pace posing a threat on the break.
Historically, Real Madrid dominates this fixture, having won 12 of the last 15 meetings across all competitions. The last Alavés victory at the Bernabéu came in February 2021, when a late goal from Lucas Pérez secured a 2-1 upset. Since then, Madrid has won four consecutive home matches against Alavés by a combined score of 11-2. Still, Ancelotti warned in his pre-match press conference against complacency, noting that “every point matters now, and Alavés will defend with everything they’ve got.”
The stakes extend beyond three points. A win for Real Madrid would put temporary pressure on Barcelona, who play their match later that evening against Sevilla. If Madrid wins and Barcelona draws or loses, the gap at the top could shrink to just one point with six games remaining. Conversely, a dropped point would hand Barcelona a psychological advantage heading into the final stretch.
Tactically, Ancelotti may opt for a high press to disrupt Alavés’ buildup, leveraging the pace of Vinícius and Rodrygo to force errors in dangerous areas. Modrić’s ability to dictate tempo from deep will be crucial, especially if Alavés sits deep and invites pressure. Ceballos’ movement between the lines could unlock the compact defensive shape Alavés is likely to employ. Defensively, the back four must remain alert to Alavés’ direct approach, particularly the threat of Omorodion in behind when Madrid’s fullbacks push forward.
In terms of availability, Real Madrid’s injury list remains a concern heading into the final weeks of the season. Courtois’ absence continues to be the most significant, with no clear timetable for his return. Alaba’s recovery is progressing but unlikely to see him return before late April. Militão’s suspension serves as a reminder of the disciplinary issues that have plagued Madrid at times this season, particularly in high-intensity derbies.
For Alavés, the battle to avoid relegation intensifies with each match. Their remaining fixtures include games against Villarreal, Celta Vigo, and Mallorca — all direct rivals in the survival fight. A point at the Bernabéu would be a moral victory, but realistically, they need wins to escape the drop. Luis García Plaza has emphasized resilience in recent press conferences, urging his players to “believe in the process” even as the odds stack against them.
The Santiago Bernabéu is expected to be near capacity, with over 70,000 fans anticipated to create a hostile atmosphere for the visitors. The venue, located in central Madrid, has hosted countless historic matches and remains one of the most iconic stadiums in world football. Matchday operations will follow standard LaLiga protocols, with gates opening two hours before kickoff.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid faces a challenging April schedule that includes the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Arsenal and a trip to face Barcelona in El Clásico later this month. Securing three points against Alavés is vital not only for league positioning but also for building momentum into those high-stakes encounters.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams will finalize their preparations. For Real Madrid, the focus is on executing Ancelotti’s game plan with precision and avoiding unnecessary risks. For Alavés, it’s about staying compact, disciplined, and ready to pounce on any lapse in concentration. The outcome could have ripple effects across LaLiga’s title and relegation battles.
Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive reactions from the Santiago Bernabéu. Share your thoughts on the predicted lineups and tactical approaches in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow us for ongoing coverage of LaLiga’s thrilling conclusion.
