Alaves vs Real Madrid: La Liga team news, start time, lineups

Alaves vs Real Madrid: La Liga team news, start time, lineups

## Real Madrid Face Alaves Test Amidst Mounting Pressure on Alonso

**Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain** – Real Madrid travel to the Mendizorrotza Stadium this weekend to face Deportivo Alaves in a La Liga clash that carries significant weight for manager Xabi Alonso and his squad. The capital club finds itself under increasing scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances, placing Alonso’s position under a microscope as the season progresses.

While expectations were high following a summer of strategic acquisitions, Real Madrid have struggled to find consistency on the pitch. A meager two victories in their last eight outings across all competitions paints a stark picture of the challenges currently plaguing the team. This dip in form has seen them slip down the La Liga table, jeopardizing their Champions League qualification ambitions and fueling speculation about Alonso’s future at the helm.

The root of Real Madrid’s struggles appears multifaceted. Defensive vulnerabilities have been repeatedly exposed, with lapses in concentration and communication leading to costly goals conceded. Offensively, the team has lacked the cutting edge and clinical finishing that characterized their performances in previous seasons. Star players have struggled to consistently replicate their best form, and the team’s overall cohesion has been visibly lacking.

Alonso, a former Real Madrid player himself, is acutely aware of the pressure that comes with managing the prestigious club. He has publicly acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and stressed the need for improvement, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in navigating this difficult period. However, words alone will not suffice. The team needs to translate Alonso’s vision into tangible results on the pitch, starting with a convincing performance against Alaves.

Deportivo Alaves, while not a traditional La Liga powerhouse, will present a stern test for the struggling Real Madrid. Playing on their home turf, Alaves will be buoyed by the fervent support of their fans and motivated to capitalize on Real Madrid’s current vulnerability. They are a well-organized and disciplined side, capable of frustrating opponents and exploiting any defensive weaknesses.

For Real Madrid, this match represents a crucial opportunity to turn the tide and alleviate the pressure mounting on Alonso. A victory, achieved through a display of tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and attacking flair, would provide a much-needed boost in confidence and reignite their campaign. However, another slip-up could further exacerbate the situation, intensifying the scrutiny on Alonso and potentially hastening a change in management.

The upcoming clash against Alaves is more than just another La Liga fixture; it is a defining moment for Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding the club in the weeks to come, determining whether they can overcome their current struggles and salvage their season, or succumb to the mounting pressure and face a period of significant upheaval. The eyes of the footballing world will be firmly fixed on the Mendizorrotza Stadium this weekend, awaiting the answer.

This article was created based on information from various sources and rewritten for clarity and originality.