The world of football is set for another thrilling encounter as Real Madrid prepares to take on Deportivo Alaves on September 24, 2024. With both teams looking to secure crucial points in the league, this match promises to deliver excitement, intense competition, and some top-quality football.
Background and History
Real Madrid
Real Madrid, one of the most successful clubs in football history, hardly needs an introduction. Founded in 1902, Los Blancos have set the bar high with their record number of domestic and international titles. They have won 35 La Liga titles, 14 UEFA Champions League trophies, and numerous Copa del Rey victories, making them one of the most decorated clubs globally.
The team, often referred to as the “Galacticos” due to their history of signing world-class players, currently boasts a formidable squad filled with stars from around the world. Under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid has continued to perform at the highest level, competing for every major title.
The team’s home ground, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, will serve as the venue for this clash, a fortress where Real Madrid has experienced many legendary moments. The passionate Madridistas will be out in force, creating an intimidating atmosphere for any visiting team.
Deportivo Alaves
On the other side is Deportivo Alaves, a club from the Basque region of Spain. Founded in 1921, Alaves has a rich but comparatively modest football history. The team has traditionally been considered a mid-to-lower table La Liga club, but their resilience and tactical discipline have seen them remain a competitive side in the Spanish top flight.
Though Alaves has yet to win a La Liga title, they have shown they can compete with the best, having reached the final of the UEFA Cup (now Europa League) in 2001 and the Copa del Rey final in 2017. Under the leadership of their coach, they will be hoping to pull off a shock victory against the giants of Real Madrid.
Current Form and Season Performance
Real Madrid
As the 2024/2025 season progresses, Real Madrid has made a strong start in their La Liga campaign. After a few key summer signings, including rising young talents and established stars, Ancelotti’s side appears to be in fantastic form.
Real Madrid has looked dominant in their opening matches, with solid performances from their attacking trident. Veteran stars like Vinicius Junior and Luka Modric have been combining well with newer recruits, helping the team maintain an edge over their competitors.
Their recent results have solidified their position near the top of the table, and as the reigning league champions, they will be keen to build on their momentum as they prepare for the challenges of both domestic and European competitions.
Key players like Jude Bellingham, who joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, have already made an impact, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been a stalwart in goal, contributing to the team’s defensive solidity.
Deportivo Alaves
Deportivo Alaves has had a mixed start to the 2024/2025 La Liga season. After a couple of tough fixtures, the team has shown moments of brilliance but has struggled for consistency. Nonetheless, Alaves has picked up valuable points in key games, which have kept them out of the relegation zone and fighting to remain in La Liga.
Their performance on the road has been one of their weaker aspects, and heading into a match at the Santiago Bernabéu, Alaves will need to be tactically astute if they are to take anything from the game.
Their coach will rely heavily on their solid defense and the sharp counterattacks of players like Luis Rioja and Joselu, who are capable of exploiting any gaps left by Real Madrid’s high defensive line.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid
- Vinicius Junior: The Brazilian winger has been a standout performer for Real Madrid over the past few seasons. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score crucial goals make him a constant threat to any defense. With Alaves likely to sit deep and play on the counter, Vinicius will be crucial in breaking down their defense.
- Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has adapted seamlessly to life at Real Madrid. His vision, passing range, and ability to contribute both offensively and defensively have been key to Real Madrid’s control of the midfield in recent matches. His physical presence and tactical awareness will be critical against Alaves.
- Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper remains one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. With his incredible reflexes and composure under pressure, Courtois will be looking to keep another clean sheet and deny Alaves any opportunity to score.
- Rodrygo: Another Brazilian star, Rodrygo has grown into his role as one of Madrid’s main attacking outlets. His versatility allows him to operate as both a winger and a central forward, making him a constant headache for defenders.
Deportivo Alaves
- Joselu: The experienced striker has been the focal point of Alaves’ attack. With a knack for being in the right place at the right time, Joselu’s aerial ability and goal-scoring instincts could prove to be pivotal for Alaves, especially from set-pieces.
- Luis Rioja: Known for his pace and trickery, Rioja is one of Alaves’ most creative outlets. His ability to transition from defense to attack quickly makes him a key player for Alaves in counter-attacking situations.
- Antonio Sivera: The goalkeeper will be tested frequently in this game, and Alaves will rely on him to make crucial saves against Madrid’s dangerous attacking players. Sivera’s performance could be the difference between a narrow defeat and a point or more for Alaves.
- Ruben Duarte: The left-back will likely be tasked with handling Vinicius Junior, one of Madrid’s most potent attacking players. Duarte’s defensive positioning and ability to limit the space available to Vinicius will be crucial in keeping Alaves in the game.
Tactical Preview
Real Madrid’s Approach
Real Madrid is expected to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game. With their wealth of attacking talent, Madrid will look to press high, overload the wings, and create scoring opportunities through quick combinations between their midfield and forward line.
Ancelotti may opt for his favored 4-3-3 formation, with Bellingham controlling the midfield and Vinicius and Rodrygo attacking from the flanks. Madrid’s full-backs, particularly Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, will play a vital role in stretching the Alaves defense and delivering dangerous crosses into the box.
Deportivo Alaves’ Approach
Alaves is likely to adopt a defensive, counter-attacking strategy. Recognizing the attacking firepower of Real Madrid, they will seek to sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the break when possible. The pace of Luis Rioja on the wings and the physical presence of Joselu in the box will be key to their counter-attacks.
Alaves’ defense will be compact, and their coach may opt for a 4-5-1 formation to crowd the midfield and limit the space available to Madrid’s creative players. Set-pieces could be a crucial area where Alaves can threaten, and they will need to capitalize on any chances they get to put Courtois under pressure.
Predictions and Expectations
Real Madrid enters the match as clear favorites. With the advantage of playing at home and a squad full of world-class talent, they will be expected to dominate proceedings. However, football has often proven that even the biggest teams can be frustrated by well-organized defenses and strategic counter-attacks, so Alaves cannot be written off entirely.
For Alaves, securing a point would be a massive achievement, but to do so, they will need to be flawless defensively and take any chances they create.
The game is expected to be high-intensity, with Madrid pressing hard for an early goal and Alaves looking to frustrate them for as long as possible.
Conclusion
The September 24, 2024, match between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves is shaping up to be an exciting contest. While Real Madrid is heavily favored to take all three points, Alaves has the capability to cause an upset, particularly if they can execute a disciplined defensive plan and make the most of their limited opportunities.
With world-class talent on display, particularly from the Madrid camp, fans can expect to witness an entertaining game full of technical brilliance, tactical battles, and thrilling moments that only football can provide.
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