As the La Liga 2024/2025 season progresses, fans are gearing up for one of the exciting matchups of the season—Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves on September 24, 2024. This clash between the Spanish giants Real Madrid and the resilient Deportivo Alaves promises to be an intense encounter filled with strategic play, individual brilliance, and the passionate energy that only La Liga can deliver. The Santiago Bernabéu will play host to this fixture, with both teams looking for vital points to advance their respective campaigns.
In this article, we will analyze both teams, their current form, key players, tactical approaches, and predictions for what is expected to be an exhilarating contest.
A Brief History of Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves Rivalry
Though Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves have not historically been rivals, their meetings over the years have produced some notable matches. Real Madrid, with their rich history, have dominated most of their encounters, but Alaves have, on occasion, managed to surprise the Spanish giants, especially with their gritty and defensive approach to the game.
Real Madrid, founded in 1902, boasts an incredible history with 35 La Liga titles, 14 UEFA Champions League titles, and numerous other domestic and international trophies. Known for signing some of the world’s best players and cultivating a culture of winning, the club has been a powerhouse not just in Spain but globally.
Deportivo Alaves, founded in 1921, may not have the same rich pedigree as Real Madrid, but their story is one of perseverance and survival. While they have spent time in both La Liga and Segunda Division, their tenacity and fight have earned them respect. Alaves is remembered fondly for their run to the 2001 UEFA Cup (now the Europa League) final, which they narrowly lost to Liverpool in one of the competition’s most memorable matches.
Current Form and 2024/2025 La Liga Season
Real Madrid’s 2024/2025 Campaign
Real Madrid, under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, began the 2024/2025 season with high expectations. Following a summer transfer window that saw new faces arrive and key players renewed, Madrid looks set to challenge for the La Liga title once again. Ancelotti has shaped a side that combines youth and experience, providing tactical flexibility and a hunger for trophies.
The season so far has seen Madrid at or near the top of the league table, competing fiercely with traditional rivals like Barcelona and Atlético Madrid. With a blend of attacking firepower and a solid defensive foundation, Madrid has been winning games both comfortably and in closely fought battles.
Notable players like Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo have continued to impress, with the midfield being orchestrated by veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Defensively, Thibaut Courtois has remained a key figure, keeping the goals conceded to a minimum. The team’s cohesion and depth have made them favorites for both La Liga and Champions League glory.
Deportivo Alaves’ Season So Far
In contrast, Deportivo Alaves has had a mixed start to the 2024/2025 season. As a team that typically fights to avoid relegation, Alaves knows they must punch above their weight to compete in Spain’s top flight. However, despite being underdogs in many of their matches, Alaves has shown moments of resilience and tactical discipline.
After a tough early fixture list, Alaves have managed to secure some crucial points, especially at home. Their defensive structure has been the cornerstone of their success, and they’ve proven to be tough to break down, even for stronger teams. Away games, however, have posed a challenge, and they will need a near-flawless performance to keep Real Madrid at bay in this encounter.
Their coach has emphasized teamwork, discipline, and capitalizing on set-pieces. Players like Joselu and Luis Rioja have been pivotal in their offensive efforts, and goalkeeper Antonio Sivera has produced key saves to maintain the team’s chances in tight matches.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid
- Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian winger has become a key figure for Real Madrid over the past few seasons. With his blistering pace, incredible dribbling ability, and eye for goal, Vinicius has the potential to tear apart any defense. Alaves will need to keep a close eye on him, especially in one-on-one situations, where Vinicius thrives. His ability to create space and deliver assists also makes him a crucial part of Madrid’s attacking strategy. - Jude Bellingham
The English midfielder, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2023, has quickly become one of the team’s most influential players. His composure, vision, and box-to-box play provide Madrid with both defensive and attacking options. Bellingham’s ability to pick out a pass and dictate the tempo of the game will be crucial in breaking down Alaves’ defensive lines. - Thibaut Courtois
The Belgian shot-stopper has been in world-class form for several seasons now. His presence between the posts is invaluable, and he has the ability to pull off incredible saves in high-pressure moments. Against a side like Alaves, who will look to capitalize on limited chances, Courtois will need to remain focused to ensure Madrid doesn’t concede. - Rodrygo
Another Brazilian in Madrid’s ranks, Rodrygo’s development into a lethal attacking force has been remarkable. His versatility allows him to play across the front line, and his combination play with Vinicius Junior and Bellingham makes him a dangerous player to mark. Expect him to play a key role in unlocking the Alaves defense.
Deportivo Alaves
- Joselu
Alaves’ star striker, Joselu, has been their go-to man for goals. His height, strength, and ability to hold up the ball make him a perfect focal point for Alaves’ counter-attacks. Against Real Madrid, his aerial prowess could pose a threat, especially from set-pieces. Joselu’s experience will be vital in guiding Alaves through this challenging fixture. - Luis Rioja
One of Alaves’ most creative players, Luis Rioja is known for his pace and dribbling on the wing. His ability to transition from defense to attack quickly could be key for Alaves as they look to hit Madrid on the counter. If given space, Rioja can deliver dangerous crosses and take on defenders, making him a player to watch out for. - Antonio Sivera
In goal, Antonio Sivera has been one of Alaves’ standout performers. Facing the firepower of Real Madrid, Sivera will need to be at his absolute best. His reflexes and shot-stopping ability will be tested throughout the match, and if Alaves are to come away with anything from the Bernabéu, Sivera will likely need to produce a near-perfect performance. - Ruben Duarte
As a left-back, Ruben Duarte will likely be tasked with marking Vinicius Junior, one of the toughest jobs in football. Duarte’s positioning and tackling will be crucial if Alaves are to limit Madrid’s threat down the flanks. His ability to stay disciplined and maintain focus for the full 90 minutes will be critical in keeping the scoreline respectable.
Tactical Preview
Real Madrid’s Game Plan
Real Madrid, as the superior team on paper, will look to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the game from the start. Ancelotti’s side is known for its quick transitions and ability to exploit space on the wings through players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo. Madrid’s full-backs, particularly Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, will push high up the pitch, providing width and allowing the wingers to cut inside.
The midfield trio of Jude Bellingham, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga (or Toni Kroos) will aim to control the center of the pitch, recycling possession and probing for weaknesses in Alaves’ defense. Madrid’s passing game will look to break the defensive lines, and they will likely attempt to draw Alaves out of their low block with patient buildup play before striking quickly.
Defensively, Madrid will look to maintain a high line, confident in their ability to recover and neutralize Alaves’ counter-attacks. Courtois will be pivotal in organizing the defense and dealing with any long balls aimed at Joselu.
Deportivo Alaves’ Game Plan
Deportivo Alaves will approach this game with a focus on defense. Expect to see a compact, organized backline with plenty of numbers behind the ball. Alaves will likely set up in a 4-5-1 formation, with Joselu as the lone striker and the midfielders tasked with frustrating Madrid’s attacking options by cutting off passing lanes and denying space.
Alaves’ best hope of scoring will come from set-pieces and counter-attacks. They will look to absorb pressure and exploit any mistakes made by Madrid’s defense. Long balls aimed at Joselu, combined with the pace of Luis Rioja on the break, could provide opportunities to sneak a goal.
Their coach will also emphasize discipline and concentration, as lapses in either could easily lead to conceding multiple goals against a team as dangerous as Real Madrid.
Predictions and Expectations
Given the form and quality of both sides, Real Madrid is the overwhelming favorite to win this contest. Playing at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid will have the support of their home fans, and their attacking prowess should prove too much for Deportivo Alaves to handle. Alaves’ best hope is to frustrate Madrid for as long as possible, possibly snatching a goal on the break or from a set-piece. However, maintaining defensive discipline for 90 minutes against the relentless attacking pressure from Madrid is a tall order.
The most likely outcome is a comfortable Real Madrid win, with several goals expected from the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, or Bellingham. Alaves, on the other hand, will hope to minimize damage and look ahead to more winnable fixtures as they aim to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Conclusion
Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alaves on September 24, 2024, is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter. While Real Madrid will be looking to continue their dominance in La Liga, Deportivo Alaves will be aiming to pull off a major upset. Whether Madrid’s superior quality will shine through or if Alaves can produce a defensive masterclass, football fans will be eagerly watching as another chapter in La Liga unfolds.