The return to domestic action at the Santiago Bernabéu marks a pivotal moment for Real Madrid as they navigate the aftermath of a grueling European exit. With the La Liga title race reaching its final seven fixtures, the selection choices made by the coaching staff reflect a balance between physical recovery and the urgent need for three points. Deportivo Alavés arrives in the capital sitting just above the relegation zone, riding a wave of resilient performances under their current tactical setup. The intersection of these two contrasting season trajectories provides a complex backdrop for the upcoming lineup announcements.

Real Madrid Defensive Configuration and Tactical Adjustments

In goal, Andriy Lunin maintains his position as the primary choice. His continuity is essential following a period where the defensive line has struggled to maintain clean sheets. The absence of long-term options has forced a reliance on Lunin's shot-stopping ability and improved distribution, which will be tested by Alavés' tendency to capitalize on set-piece situations.

The back four presents several interesting dilemmas. Trent Alexander-Arnold, having established himself as a vital component of the defensive unit this season, offers a creative outlet from the right-back position that few others can replicate. His ability to invert into midfield or provide overlapping runs allows Real Madrid to bypass congested central areas. On the opposite flank, Álvaro Carreras is expected to feature, providing the width necessary to stretch a compact Alavés defense.

Central defense remains an area of scrutiny. With Éder Militão anchoring the line, the question involves his partner. Reports from the training ground suggest Dean Huijsen is the most likely candidate to start. His composure on the ball and aerial dominance have become increasingly important in matches where the opposition employs a direct attacking style. This pairing must remain vigilant against the high-intensity transitions that Alavés has utilized effectively in recent weeks. The defensive organization will likely prioritize a high line to compress the space for Alavés' forwards, though this carries inherent risks against long balls directed into the channels.

Midfield Balance: The Engine Room Selection

Real Madrid's midfield remains the core of their tactical identity. Federico Valverde, currently in one of the most productive scoring phases of his career, is a non-negotiable inclusion. His energy in the middle third and ability to arrive late in the box provide a goal-scoring threat that complements the frontline. Valverde’s role often transitions between a traditional central midfielder and a wide facilitator, depending on the phase of play.

Jude Bellingham is expected to occupy the advanced creative role. While his defensive contributions remain significant, his primary objective at the Bernabéu will be to find pockets of space between the Alavés midfield and defensive lines. The connection between Bellingham and the attacking duo is often the deciding factor in breaking down low-block systems.

Supporting them, Aurélien Tchouaméni serves as the tactical anchor. His presence allows the more offensive-minded midfielders to push forward with the security that the defensive transition is covered. There is also a strong possibility that Arda Güler earns a starting berth in a more advanced creative position. Güler’s vision and technical proficiency in tight spaces are highly valued when facing teams that defend with five players at the back. His inclusion would likely mean a slight shift in the traditional 4-4-2 diamond to a more fluid attacking shape.

The Attacking Duo: Sustaining the Pressure

The forward line is set to be led by Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé. This partnership has been the focal point of Real Madrid’s offensive strategy throughout the 2025/26 campaign. Mbappé, currently leading the race for the Pichichi trophy, brings a level of clinical finishing that demands constant attention from multiple defenders. His movement off the ball creates the necessary gaps for Vinícius Júnior to exploit with his dribbling and pace.

Vinícius’ role involves stretching the Alavés backline horizontally. By staying wide and drawing out the opposing wing-backs, he creates central corridors for Bellingham and Mbappé. The chemistry between these two forwards has evolved, with a noticeable increase in quick combinations and third-man runs. Against a side like Alavés, which will likely sit deep, the ability of the front two to rotate positions and confuse defensive assignments will be paramount.

Deportivo Alavés: The Five-Back Wall

Quique Sánchez Flores has revitalized Alavés by implementing a structured 5-3-2 formation that prioritizes defensive solidity without sacrificing the ability to counter-attack. Antonio Sivera remains a crucial figure in goal; his performance level often dictates Alavés' ability to stay in matches against elite opposition.

The defensive quintet is expected to feature Nahuel Tenaglia, Jonny Otto, and Víctor Parada as the central pillars. This trio focuses on maintaining vertical compactness and clearing crosses, which will be a frequent requirement against Real Madrid’s wide players. The wing-backs, likely Ángel Pérez and Youssef Enríquez, face the daunting task of tracking the runs of Vinícius and Alexander-Arnold. Their success in these individual duels will determine whether Alavés can prevent the Bernabéu crowd from becoming a factor early in the match.

In the midfield, Antonio Blanco provides the tactical discipline required to disrupt Real Madrid's rhythm. Having spent time in the Madrid academy system, he possesses a deep understanding of the tactical patterns he will be facing. Alongside him, Jon Guridi and Pablo Ibáñez provide the work rate and distributive skills necessary to transition the ball from defense to attack. Their primary objective will be to deny Bellingham space and to double up on Valverde when he makes forward bursts.

The Alavés Strike Force: Efficiency over Volume

Despite their league position, Alavés has shown a surprising clinical edge in recent outings. Antonio Martínez and Ibrahim Diabate are the projected starters in the attacking third. Martínez’s physical presence allows him to hold the ball up, bringing the midfield into play and allowing the team to move up the pitch. Diabate provides the raw pace needed to exploit any space left behind the Real Madrid high line.

This duo has combined for several crucial goals during the team's current four-match unbeaten streak. Their synergy relies on Martínez winning aerial duels and Diabate making diagonal runs behind the center-backs. While they may not see a high volume of possession, their efficiency in front of goal will be the deciding factor in whether the visitors can leave Madrid with a result.

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Clash

The match is expected to follow a familiar pattern: Real Madrid dominating possession while Alavés looks to strike on the break. The tactical battle in the wide areas will be especially significant. If Real Madrid’s full-backs can pin back the Alavés wing-backs, the visitors will essentially be defending with a flat back five, making it difficult for them to launch counters.

Conversely, if Alavés can navigate the initial press and find Blanco or Guridi in space, they can release Diabate into the channels. Real Madrid's defensive transition has been a point of vulnerability in recent weeks, particularly when Huijsen and Militão are isolated. The coaching staff has reportedly worked on ensuring the midfield pivot remains more disciplined during offensive phases to mitigate this risk.

Another key area is the "Bellingham Zone." Alavés often deploys a deep-lying midfielder specifically to shadow creative playmakers. Whether Blanco takes this responsibility or if it becomes a collective effort from the three-man midfield will influence how much influence Bellingham can exert on the game. Real Madrid might counter this by moving Bellingham into wider areas, forcing the Alavés central defenders to decide whether to follow him or maintain their structural integrity.

Injury Updates and Squad Depth

Real Madrid continues to operate without Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo, both of whom are recovering from significant long-term injuries. The squad has adapted to these absences, but the lack of rotational options in the forward line puts a heavy burden on Mbappé and Vinícius. Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz provide the primary alternatives off the bench, with both players capable of changing the tempo of the match in the final thirty minutes.

Raúl Asencio is unavailable for this fixture following a minor health issue, further thinning the defensive options. This may lead to the inclusion of academy prospects on the bench to provide cover for the central defensive positions.

Alavés is relatively healthy, though the suspensions of Facundo Garcés and Abde Rebbach limit their tactical flexibility. Carlos Protesoni remains out with a muscle injury. These absences mean the starting eleven will have to play significant minutes, as the bench depth in specific defensive positions is limited. The return of Lucas Boyé to the matchday squad provides a boost, likely starting as a tactical substitute to provide fresh energy in the second half.

Statistical Context: Recent Form and History

Real Madrid has historically dominated this fixture, winning eight consecutive matches against the Basque side. However, the current form suggests a tighter contest than the historical data might imply. Real Madrid's defensive record—failing to keep a clean sheet in seven consecutive games—contrasts sharply with Alavés' scoring run, which has seen them net ten goals in their last four matches.

The data indicates that matches at the Bernabéu during the late stages of the season often involve a high number of attempts on goal. Real Madrid averages over 15 attempts per game at home, while Alavés has increased their shot conversion rate since the appointment of their current head coach. This suggests a high-probability for goals at both ends, a trend that has been consistent in both teams' recent La Liga appearances.

Final Tactical Considerations

As the teams finalize their preparations, the focus remains on execution. For Real Madrid, the objective is to rediscover the defensive solidity that defined their early-season form while maintaining their offensive potency. The projected lineup emphasizes technical skill and the ability to control the tempo.

For Alavés, the challenge is to remain mentally disciplined for ninety minutes. Defending against the likes of Mbappé and Vinícius requires constant communication and flawless positioning. The tactical framework provided by Sánchez Flores has given them a fighting chance, but the individual quality gap remains a significant hurdle.

The announced lineups will provide the first real indication of the managers' intentions. Whether Arbeloa opts for heavy rotation or sticks with his strongest available XI will signal how Real Madrid views their remaining league commitments. Similarly, Alavés’ commitment to their defensive structure will determine the flow of a match that has significant implications at both ends of the La Liga table.

In conclusion, the projected lineups suggest a contest where Real Madrid’s creative ingenuity meets Alavés’ structured defiance. The outcome will likely hinge on individual moments of brilliance from Madrid’s stars or a clinical counter-attacking display from the visitors. As the players take the pitch, the tactical preparations give way to the unpredictability of ninety minutes at one of football’s most historic venues.