Real Madrid travel to Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria on Sunday, December 14, 2025, for a crucial La Liga clash against Alaves, as pressure mounts on coach Xabi Alonso following a turbulent run of recent results. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT), with full pre-match coverage beginning at 17:00 GMT on Al Jazeera Sport.

Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles

Los Blancos have won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions, including a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League. Following this, Spanish media speculated about Alonso’s future, though key players, including Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Thibaut Courtois, have publicly backed the manager.

Alonso himself acknowledged the challenges, stating:

“We are having difficulties, but we can grow. If we get past these tough times, change the dynamic, maybe in a few weeks we’ll look back and think ‘we went through a lot, but it made us stronger.’”

Injury and Suspension Updates for Real Madrid

Real Madrid receive a boost with Kylian Mbappe returning to full fitness after missing the Champions League match. However, several players remain sidelined, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, and Eduardo Camavinga, while Alvaro Carreras, Fran Garcia, and Endrick are suspended. Defender Dean Huijsen is expected to return.

Player Spotlight

• Rodrygo Goes: After ending a long goal drought against Manchester City, Rodrygo is showing signs of returning to top form.
• Vinicius Junior: While still recovering form and morale, the winger’s relationship with Alonso appears to be improving.
• Jude Bellingham: Providing leadership and morale boost to teammates amid criticism of Alonso.

Alaves’ Form and Prospects

Alaves have been solid at home, losing just two of eight games in Vitoria this season, including a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in their last outing. Their recent run of four wins in seven matches has seen them climb to midtable, keeping hopes alive for a strong finish in La Liga.

Injuries and absences for Alaves include Nikola Maras and Facundo Garces, while Jon Guridi is a fitness doubt due to a knee problem.

Head-to-Head Record

Real Madrid have dominated historically, winning 23 of the 29 encounters against Alaves. The last meeting at Mendizorroza on April 13, 2025, saw Real Madrid win 1-0, with Eduardo Camavinga scoring the decisive goal, although Kylian Mbappe was sent off in the 38th minute. Alaves also had a player dismissed later in the match.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Alaves Predicted XI:
Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Guevara; Calebe, Ibanez, Suarez, Rebbach; Boye

Real Madrid Predicted XI:
Courtois; Valverde, Rudiger, Huijsen, Asencio; Guler, Tchouameni, Ceballos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius

Key Match Outlook

For Real Madrid, this match is arguably a must-win to stabilize Alonso’s position and halt the team’s downward spiral. With Barcelona seven points clear at the top, a positive result at Alaves is critical to remain competitive in the La Liga title race.

Alaves, on the other hand, will aim to exploit Madrid’s fragile form and continue their strong home record, which could make for a tightly contested encounter.