Real Madrid head to Mendizorrotza for a match that suddenly feels far more decisive than anyone predicted. What should be a routine league fixture has turned into a crossroads moment for Xabi Alonso, whose future at the club is now being openly discussed as results wobble and the squad collapses under a brutal wave of injuries. Against an Alavés side that has already taken points off top teams this season, Madrid enter the weekend knowing that anything less than a win could escalate the crisis around their young manager.
Table of Contents
Season Context: Madrid Stumbling Into a Dangerous Moment
Madrid’s season has been inconsistent. Their Champions League campaign was rocked by a defeat to Manchester City, and in La Liga, they’ve dropped points in matches where they traditionally impose control. Barcelona have opened a gap at the top of the table, and frustration among fans is rising.
What makes the situation more volatile is the feeling that Madrid lacks a clear tactical identity. Alonso’s possession-heavy, structure-first football was embraced early, but the results have faded, the intensity has dipped, and injuries have disrupted every attempt to build rhythm. For the first time this season, the Bernabéu reports are speaking openly about doubts surrounding the manager’s long-term fit. A bad result at Alavés will intensify those conversations dramatically.
Injury Crisis: Madrid Missing an Entire Back Line
Real Madrid travels to Alavés with one of the worst injury situations in Europe right now. Alonso is without nearly an entire defensive unit – a scenario that would cripple almost any squad.
Definitely out for Real Madrid
- Dani Carvajal – knee injury
- Ferland Mendy – muscle injury
- Trent Alexander-Arnold – thigh injury
- Éder Militão – hamstring injury
Suspended
- Endrick – suspended
- Fran García – suspended
- Álvaro Carreras – suspended
Doubtful / fitness questions
- Eduardo Camavinga – ankle problem (listed as doubtful)
- David Alaba – muscle issue (doubtful)
- Dean Huijsen – discomfort (has rejoined the group and is questionable to play)
- Kylian Mbappé – knee / short-term injury, but Xabi Alonso says he is “fine to play” and he’s named in the squad
Kylian Mbappé: Available but Not at 100%
Mbappé missed the midweek match due to a muscle concern and a broken finger, but he has trained ahead of this match. Madrid expects him to be included, though possibly managed carefully. His return is essential; Madrid has struggled for goals without him.
With so many players unavailable, Alonso is expected to turn to makeshift options, potentially fielding a back line that has never played together in such an important match for Real Madrid’s season and his future as manager.
Alonso Under Pressure: A Result That Could Shape His Future
No one inside Real Madrid will publicly admit it, but the pressure on Xabi Alonso is real.
A run of unconvincing performances, tactical questions, and slipping in the title race have already sparked internal debate. Sources around the club suggest that a defeat at Alavés, even with the injury crisis as context, would significantly worsen Alonso’s standing.”
This game comes at the worst possible time for him:
- The squad is depleted.
- Defensive organization is fragile.
- Madrid fans are restless after recent setbacks.
Alonso insists he is focused only on the team and not the speculation, but he knows how quickly things shift at Real Madrid. A stumble here could genuinely catalyse a crisis.
Recent Form
Real Madrid – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Dec 2025 | Champions League | Man City | 1–2 |
| 7 Dec 2025 | La Liga | Celta Vigo | 0–2 |
| 3 Dec 2025 | La Liga | Athletic Bilbao | 0–3 |
| 30 Nov 2025 | La Liga | Girona | 1–1 |
| 26 Nov 2025 | Champions League | Olympiacos | 3–4 |
Deportivo Alavés – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Dec 2025 | La Liga | Real Sociedad | 1–0 |
| 2 Dec 2025 | Copa del Rey | Portugalete | 0–3 |
| 29 Nov 2025 | La Liga | Barcelona | 3–1 |
| 22 Nov 2025 | La Liga | Celta Vigo | 0–1 |
| 8 Nov 2025 | La Liga | Girona | 1–0 |
Predicted Lineup
Player To Watch – Arda Güler
With Real Madrid depleted across defence and midfield, Arda Güler enters this match as one of the most important creative outlets in the side. The 20-year-old has quietly put together an impressive season, producing 3 goals and 5 assists in 16 league appearances, for a total of 8 direct goal contributions. Against an Alavés team that defends compactly and forces opponents into crowded central areas, Güler’s ability to receive between the lines, disguise passes into Mbappé and Vinícius, and shoot from range makes him a genuine threat. In a match Madrid cannot afford to drop, his spark and technical quality could be exactly what unlocks the game.
Prediction:
Despite the injuries and growing tension, Madrid still enter the match with superior firepower. Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius can win matches on moments alone, and Alavés will have to defend perfectly to keep them quiet for 90 minutes.
This should be a comfortable night for Madrid. Their attacking firepower is likely to overwhelm Alavés, and even with a makeshift back line they should hold firm, turning this into the kind of controlled, defining victory that can reset their season and ease the pressure on Xabi Alonso.
Prediction: Alavés 0–2 Real Madrid
A convincing victory – and perhaps a temporary lifeline for Xabi Alonso.
Bottom Line
Real Madrid is under pressure, short on defenders, and in desperate need of a stabilising performance, but they still have enough individual brilliance to win. Alavés will make this uncomfortable and will target Madrid’s weakened flanks all night, yet if Mbappé, Vinícius or Bellingham produce even one big moment, Madrid should escape with the points. It won’t be pretty, but it could be the kind of gritty win Xabi Alonso badly needs.
