Revisit Consent Button: Real Madrid vs. Alavés – Davide Ancelotti Surprises with Bold Line-up!

Real Madrid faces a crucial showdown against Alavés this Sunday in the 31st round of La Liga. The match comes after two disappointing defeats, one against Valencia on Matchday 30 and the other to Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. With the pressure mounting to close the seven-point gap between them and FC Barcelona, Real Madrid aims to bounce back and secure their twentieth win of the season.

Managing this pivotal match will be none other than Davide Ancelotti, the son of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is serving a suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards. This is a significant moment for the young Ancelotti, who will look to guide the team through what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Alavés, currently sitting seventeenth in the standings with 7 wins, 9 draws, and 14 losses, will also be fighting for their survival as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.

Real Madrid’s Starting XI: A Surprising Yet Strategic Move

As the match day approaches, Real Madrid’s line-up has been announced, and there are some notable surprises. In a 4-3-3 formation, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will remain in goal, providing his usual reassurance at the back. The defensive pairing of Antonio Rüdiger and Raúl Asencio takes the central spots, with Fran García and Lucas Vázquez operating as full-backs.

In midfield, Aurélien Tchouaméni returns after missing the Champions League clash against Arsenal. Positioned as the deep-lying midfielder, Tchouaméni’s role will be vital in dictating play and breaking up Alavés’ attacks. He is expected to play the majority of the match to build his match fitness ahead of the return leg against Arsenal. Alongside him, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde complete the midfield trio, bringing both energy and creativity to the center of the park.

The Attack: A Shift in Dynamics

Up front, there is a slight alteration in the attacking trio. While Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Kylian Mbappé are expected to lead the charge, there is a tactical change that sees Arda Güler step in for Rodrygo. Güler’s inclusion adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the attack, and he’ll look to link up well with his fellow forwards to unlock Alavés’ defense.

Mbappé, who is the club’s top scorer with 33 goals this season, will undoubtedly be one of the key players in this match. Currently in the race for the Pichichi Trophy, Mbappé will be eager to add to his tally and keep up the pressure on Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski. Given the importance of this match for Real Madrid’s title aspirations, all eyes will be on the Frenchman to deliver another stellar performance.

Tactical Adjustments and Expectations

With Real Madrid coming off two consecutive defeats, the pressure is on for a response. The team must display resilience and intensity to ensure they maintain their pursuit of the league title. While Alavés may sit near the bottom of the table, they cannot be underestimated, especially with the home advantage. Real Madrid will need to dominate possession, control the tempo of the game, and convert their chances into goals.

One of the main areas of focus will be the midfield battle. Tchouaméni’s presence in the holding role will be critical in preventing Alavés from launching counter-attacks. His ability to win the ball and distribute it quickly will be key to launching Real Madrid’s attacking moves. Additionally, the combination of Camavinga and Valverde offers dynamism and creativity, which could overwhelm Alavés’ midfield.

The Battle for Confidence

After a difficult period, the upcoming fixtures are crucial for Real Madrid, and confidence is a major factor. A convincing victory over Alavés would go a long way in restoring belief within the squad ahead of the second leg against Arsenal. Vinicius Junior, who has been in fine form this season, will need to step up alongside Mbappé and lead the team in the final third.

Despite the tactical changes, Real Madrid must not lose sight of their ultimate objective – to close the gap with Barcelona in the La Liga standings and fight for another league title. In a season filled with ups and downs, it’s moments like these that will define the outcome of their campaign.

The Importance of Davide Ancelotti’s Leadership

While much attention will naturally be on the players, Davide Ancelotti’s role as head coach for the match will be a story in itself. His first major test in charge of Real Madrid comes at a pivotal moment, and he will be keen to prove that he is capable of stepping into his father’s shoes, even if only temporarily.

It’s also a significant test for the team’s leadership, with players like Courtois, Rüdiger, and Mbappé expected to provide guidance on the field. However, the pressure is not just on the players, as Davide will need to manage the match effectively, making tactical adjustments when necessary.

Alavés’ Survival Battle

Alavés, meanwhile, have everything to play for. With the relegation zone looming large, they will throw everything at Real Madrid in a bid to secure a vital point or even three. Despite their position in the standings, Alavés cannot be written off. Their resilience in previous encounters against top teams shows that they will fight for every inch on the pitch.

Matchday Predictions

In terms of predictions, Real Madrid are overwhelming favorites. However, football is unpredictable, and Alavés will be desperate to fight for their survival. Real Madrid will need to take control early on and impose their game, but they must remain vigilant to avoid any surprises from the home side.

Conclusion: A Must-Win for Real Madrid

With both La Liga and the Champions League still within their reach, Real Madrid cannot afford to slip up against Alavés. The squad will need to play with intensity, precision, and confidence if they are to maintain their title challenge and restore their momentum.

The result of this match could have significant ramifications for the rest of the season, so expect a highly competitive encounter at Mendizorroza.

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Real Madrid Starting XI:
Thibaut Courtois – Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Raúl Asencio, Lucas Vázquez – Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde – Arda Güler, Rodrygo Goes, Kylian Mbappé.

As the team heads into this crucial match, all eyes will be on the players and the new leader at the helm, Davide Ancelotti. With everything on the line, Real Madrid must deliver.