Real Madrid Celebrates a Year Unbeaten
Real Madrid celebrates a year without defeats in LaLiga, with Alavés as the guest in great form, having gone 38 matches unbeaten since they lost to Atlético Madrid in the Metropolitano derby on September 24, 2023. The same match looms in the next round, where they can't afford any concessions due to Barcelona's relentless pace in the points race.
With their comeback against Espanyol, Carlo Ancelotti’s team matched the second-best unbeaten streak in LaLiga history. Against Alavés, they aim to surpass the record set by Real Sociedad in 1979, with a clear objective given by the coach to his players: score in the first half. In the four matches played at the Santiago Bernabéu this season, the scoreline has been 0-0 at halftime.
The coach's request before facing Espanyol sparked a noticeable improvement in the first half. However, their six shots on target did not find the back of the net, and once again, goals came in the second half. Real Madrid has scored 18 goals this season, 17 of them in the second halves of matches.
Barcelona, with their solid form and a perfect record of six wins and 22 goals scored, face Getafe at home, demanding that Real Madrid maintain consistency. Four points behind, Ancelotti's team faces a crucial week that ends with a match at the Metropolitano against Atlético Madrid. As a result, the Italian coach will extend squad rotations.
The first benching of Kylian Mbappé is expected. If it was Vinícius who started on the bench against Espanyol, only to come on and make the difference when the match got tough, this time Endrick is expected to start. The 18-year-old has earned his opportunity with determination and goals in the few minutes he has played, having scored against Real Valladolid in LaLiga and Stuttgart in the Champions League.
With Dani Carvajal sidelined due to a knock on his right leg and with David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Díaz all out injured, Ancelotti will bring back Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, and "Vini" after resting them. Lucas Vázquez will likely start at right-back, while Fede Valverde may get some rest.
A dangerous Deportivo Alavés will face Real Madrid on Tuesday in the seventh round of LaLiga EA Sports. The Basque team comes to the capital in great shape, with ten points and a promising start to the season, sitting in a strong position relative to their objectives.
They defeated Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena and come into this clash after a convincing 2-1 win over Sevilla in a match they dominated. Luis García Plaza has doubts at right-back, as Nahuel Tenaglia is out with a strain. His natural replacement, Hugo Novoa, remains doubtful until the last minute, but he will travel with the squad.
If the U-21 international cannot play, Santiago Mouriño may take over at right-back, as Carlos Vicente is confirmed to not start. The Madrid-born coach has announced several changes for this midweek game to rest key players.
As such, Moussa Diarra and Santiago Mouriño could step into the defense, while Antonio Blanco and Carlos Protesoni are expected to replace Joan Jordán and Ander Guevara in midfield. In attack, Argentinians Tomás Conechny and Luka Romero will occupy the wings, with Jon Guridi as the link to the lone striker, either Kike García or Asier Villalibre.
