Real Madrid vs Alaves: Preview, Betting Tips, and Team News

With their La Liga title hopes fading, Real Madrid will host Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

**Real Madrid** The hosts are enduring a turbulent period, facing heavy scrutiny after their Champions League exit last week. A 6-4 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich confirmed a trophyless 2025/26 campaign for Los Blancos. Following a 2-1 loss to Mallorca after the international break, manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s side now trails Barcelona by nine points. Madrid has failed to win in their last four matches across all competitions (three losses, one draw) and has managed just one clean sheet in their previous 12 outings.

**Real Madrid Team News** Brazilian forward Rodrygo remains sidelined with a season-ending knee injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni returns after serving a Champions League suspension. Arda Guler, who scored twice against Bayern before receiving a late red card, is expected to retain his starting spot. Kylian Mbappe, with 23 goals in 26 league appearances, will lead the attack.

**Alaves** The visitors are embroiled in another relegation battle, sitting just one point above the drop zone. A thrilling 3-3 draw against Real Sociedad last time out extended their winless run to just one victory in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Defensive frailties persist for Quique Sanchez Flores’ side, who have conceded eight goals in their last three league games.

**Alaves Team News** Algerian midfielder Abderrahmane Rebbach is suspended after picking up a booking against Sociedad, while Carlos Protesoni remains injured. Former Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz could feature against his old club, and ex-Wolves defender Jonny Otto is set to start in defense.

**Key Factors to Consider** - Real Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-1 in December. - Madrid is winless in four matches since the international break. - Alaves has only one win in their last 10 games. - Alaves has conceded eight goals in their last three La Liga matches. - Kylian Mbappe has scored 23 league goals this season.

**Conclusion** Real Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in their Champions League exit, conceding six goals against Bayern. Without a domestic clean sheet since February, they remain vulnerable. Alaves, meanwhile, has struggled defensively, shipping eight goals in their last three league outings.

**Verdict:** Goal to be scored in both halves **Best Odds:** 4/7 **Bookmaker:** Luckster