Alavés vs Real Madrid – Preview, Lineups, Prediction

Deportivo Alavés play host to Real Madrid at Estadio de Mendizorroza on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in a La Liga fixture that carries significant implications for both clubs. The match, scheduled for 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. GMT), serves as matchweek 16 of the season and comes at a critical juncture for Real Madrid, who trail league leaders Barcelona by four points in the title race.

Real Madrid arrive under considerable pressure following a turbulent stretch that has seen them slip behind their Catalan rivals. Meanwhile, Alavés enter with renewed confidence after snapping a three-game losing streak and will look to leverage their stingy home defense against one of Spain’s most potent attacking units. The contrast in form and motivation sets the stage for what promises to be an absorbing encounter in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

For viewers in the United States, the match will be broadcast across multiple platforms including ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, and fuboTV, while UK audiences can catch the action on Premier Sports 1. Fans in Canada and Mexico have access through TSN+ and Sky Sports respectively, ensuring widespread coverage across key markets.

When and Where is Alavés vs Real Madrid?

Key Information

• Matchweek: 16 of 38 in La Liga
• Return fixture: April 21, 2026, at Bernabéu (7:30 p.m. UTC)
• Alavés position: 11th place with 18 points (5 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses)
• Real Madrid position: 2nd place, four points behind Barcelona
• Ticket availability: High demand expected through official club channels
• Stadium capacity: Approximately 19,840 seats

Predicted Lineups and Injury News for Alavés vs Real Madrid

Real Madrid face a mounting injury crisis as they prepare for the trip to the Basque Country. Five first-team players have been ruled out for the encounter, significantly reducing coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical options in midfield and defense.

Real Madrid Absentees

• David Alaba: Long-term injury recovery, rated 6.31 by WhoScored
• Dani Ceballos: Injury sustained during training, rated 6.64
• Eduardo Camavinga: Injury concern, rated 6.93
• Brahim Díaz: Injury setback, rated 6.59
• Dani Carvajal: Substituted against Espanyol with an injury, rated 6.89

The absence of Carvajal is particularly notable given his importance to Madrid’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, Camavinga’s potential return date remains uncertain, adding further complexity to Alonso’s selection decisions. Team news suggests Real Madrid may opt to rest Kylian Mbappé ahead of the upcoming Madrid derby, potentially handing a start to Endrick in attack.

Alavés Absentees

• Hugo Novoa: Injury sidelined, rated 6.25

Predicted Formations

Alavés vs Real Madrid Head to Head and Recent Form

Historical dominance defines the fixture between these two clubs. Real Madrid have won their last seven consecutive matches against Alavés across all competitions, a streak that underscores the significant challenge facing the Basque outfit on Sunday.

Recent Meetings

• April 13, 2025: Real Madrid 1-0 Alavés (away victory)
• September 24, 2024: Real Madrid 3-2 Alavés (home victory)
• Overall record: Real Madrid 33 wins, Alavés 5 wins, 6 draws from 44 meetings
• Recent trend: No draws recorded in the last five encounters

The most recent La Liga meeting earlier this season ended 3-2 in Madrid’s favor, a result that highlighted both their attacking potency and occasional defensive vulnerabilities. ESPN’s match records confirm the asymmetric nature of this fixture, with Alavés managing just five victories across 44 attempts.

Alavés Recent Form

Alavés head into the fixture with renewed belief following a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad on December 6, 2025. That result ended a three-game losing streak that had threatened to derail their mid-table ambitions. The win was preceded by a Copa del Rey success against Portugalete, suggesting a club beginning to regain momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign.

Defensive solidity has been the cornerstone of Alavés’ home performances. They have conceded the second-fewest goals in the league this season and lost just twice in eight matches at Mendizorroza. This record represents their primary weapon against a Real Madrid side struggling for consistency on the road.

Real Madrid Recent Form

Real Madrid’s recent trajectory presents a mixed picture. A 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo represented a significant setback, while draws against Rayo Vallecano, Elche, and Girona have cost them valuable ground in the title race. Sports Mole’s analysis highlights how dropped points in winnable fixtures have allowed Barcelona to establish a commanding lead.

European disappointment has compounded domestic concerns. A 2-1 Champions League defeat to Manchester City represented another setback for a club accustomed to competing on multiple fronts. Despite these challenges, Real Madrid maintain the best away record in La Liga, suggesting they possess the quality to secure results even amid turbulent form.

Predictions and Betting Odds: Who Will Win Alavés vs Real Madrid?

While official betting odds remain unspecified in available previews, the market heavily favors Real Madrid given their historical dominance and superior statistical profile. However, Alavés’ exceptional home form and Madrid’s recent struggles suggest the contest may be more competitive than the head-to-head record implies.

Factors Favoring Real Madrid

• Seven-game winning streak against Alavés
• Best away record in La Liga this season
• Superior attacking metrics (34 goals, 72 xG)
• Greater individual quality throughout the squad

Factors Favoring Alavés

• Strong home record (lost just twice in eight matches)
• Second-best defensive record in the league
• Recent victory restoring confidence
• Home support at Mendizorroza

Predictions from multiple preview sources acknowledge Real Madrid as favorites but stop short of predicting comfortable victories. The consensus suggests a closely contested match where Alavés’ defensive organization could frustrate Madrid’s attackers, though the visitors’ quality should ultimately prevail.

Matchday Timeline

1. Saturday, December 13: Pre-match press conferences from both coaching staffs
2. Sunday, December 14, 2 p.m. ET: Team warm-up sessions at Mendizorroza
3. Sunday, December 14, 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. GMT): Kickoff for Alavés vs Real Madrid
4. Sunday, December 14, 3:45 p.m. ET: Halftime break
5. Sunday, December 14, 4 p.m. ET: Second half and potential stoppage time
6. Sunday, December 14: Post-match interviews and press obligations
7. Tuesday, December 16: Focus shifts to next La Liga fixtures for both clubs

What We Know and What Remains Uncertain

The Stakes: Title Race Context

The outcome of Sunday’s fixture carries weight beyond the three points on offer. For Real Madrid, a victory would reduce the gap to Barcelona to a single point heading into the winter break, maintaining genuine hope of reclaiming the title. A slip-up would hand Barcelona further breathing room and intensify scrutiny on coach Xabi Alonso.

Alavés occupy mid-table comfort at present, sitting 11th with 18 points from 15 matches. They are neither threatened by relegation nor positioned to challenge for European places. This freedom could prove advantageous, allowing them to play without excessive pressure against one of the league’s title contenders.

The match represents a test of character for both clubs. Real Madrid must demonstrate resilience amid mounting external pressure, while Alavés have the opportunity to prove their recent improvement represents genuine progress rather than temporary reprieve. Previews from OneFootball emphasize that this fixture could serve as a turning point for whichever side demonstrates greater mental fortitude.

Where to Watch Alavés vs Real Madrid

Broadcast coverage varies by region, with multiple platforms ensuring accessibility for football fans across different territories. The following channels and streaming services will provide live coverage of the fixture.

Tickets for the match remain available through official club websites, though high demand means availability is limited. Fans attending at Mendizorroza can expect a capacity crowd as supporters seek to witness what many anticipate will be a tightly contested encounter.

Sources and Statements

“Alavés showed character to end their losing run and will pose a stern test for Madrid at home.”

— Match preview analysis, Sports Mole

“Real Madrid must find solutions quickly if they are to stay in touch with Barcelona during the festive period.”

— La Liga race preview, Sports Illustrated

Additional reporting from Sports Illustrated’s match coverage and multiple other preview sources has contributed to the information available ahead of Sunday’s fixture.

Summary

Alavés versus Real Madrid on December 14, 2025, represents a compelling collision between a club fighting for domestic survival and another pursuing championship ambitions. While Madrid’s historical dominance and superior individual quality make them clear favorites, Alavés’ defensive resilience and recent upturn in form suggest they will not be merely making up the numbers. The match promises to be a significant test for both sides as the La Liga season approaches its halfway stage. For those interested in other recent matchups, Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions Match Player Stats – Stats from Both 2024 Games offers comparable analysis across different sporting contexts.

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