Real Madrid vs Alaves: A Historic La Liga Rivalry
Real Madrid and Deportivo Alaves have faced each other numerous times in Spanish football, particularly in La Liga, Spain’s premier football division. The rivalry, while not as intense as some of Real Madrid’s other clashes, carries its own significance due to the stark contrast between the two clubs’ histories and stature.
Real Madrid vs Alaves : A Football Giant
Real Madrid, founded in 1902, is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in the world. With 14 UEFA Champions League titles, numerous domestic league wins, and a host of other accolades, the club’s reputation in world football is unparalleled. Known for its all-star lineup, including legends such as Alfredo Di Stefano, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid’s philosophy is rooted in playing attacking, attractive football.
Deportivo Alaves: A Modest Club with Ambition
Deportivo Alaves, established in 1921, hails from Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the Basque Country. Though not as historically dominant as Real Madrid, Alaves has had its fair share of moments on the big stage. The club gained international recognition during their 2000-01 UEFA Cup campaign, where they reached the final but lost to Liverpool in an epic match (5-4 after extra time).
Alaves have often fluctuated between the top two tiers of Spanish football, and their rivalry with Madrid reflects the competitive spirit and ambition they bring to every game, even when facing the heavyweights of the sport.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, Real Madrid has dominated most encounters between the two clubs. However, Deportivo Alavés has produced some memorable upsets, particularly in their home ground, Estadio Mendizorrotza. Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has been less kind to Alaves, where the hosts usually triumph comfortably.
Despite Real Madrid’s dominance, matches between the two sides are rarely dull. Alaves often plays with intensity and resilience, and they have been known to frustrate Madrid’s stars, even snatching a few victories over the years.
Memorable Matches
Real Madrid 3-0 Alaves (2019-2020 Season): A typical display of Madrid’s firepower. Goals from Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, and a solid team performance ensured Madrid continued their strong run in the season.
Alaves 1-0 Real Madrid (2000): One of the most famous victories in Alaves’ history. A well-organized defensive display saw them stun a star-studded Real Madrid team with a narrow win.
Alaves 1-4 Real Madrid (2020-2021 Season): Real Madrid showed their attacking prowess, with Karim Benzema and Eden Hazard shining, in a convincing away victory.
Playing Style & Key Players
Real Madrid is known for their possession-based football, relying on technical proficiency, quick transitions, and individual brilliance to unlock opposing defenses. Stars like Vinícius Júnior, Luka Modrić, and Jude Bellingham have been central to the team’s performances in recent seasons.
Alavés, on the other hand, often adopts a more defensive approach, especially against stronger opponents. They focus on quick counter-attacks, set-pieces, and maintaining a compact shape. In recent years, players like Joselu and Luis Rioja have been key contributors to the team’s attacking efforts.
Tactics & Strategies
Real Madrid often uses a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing wingers’ speed and full-backs’ overlapping runs. With Carlo Ancelotti currently at the helm, the team has a balance of experience and youth.
Alavés frequently employs a 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and hitting on the counter-attack. They rely on physicality and discipline to frustrate stronger opponents.
FAQs About Real Madrid vs Alavés
1. How many times have Real Madrid and Alavés faced each other in La Liga?
As of the 2023 season, Real Madrid and Alavés have played each other over 35 times in La Liga. Real Madrid has historically dominated the head-to-head record.
2. What is the biggest win in a Real Madrid vs Alavés match?
Real Madrid’s 6-0 victory over Alavés in 2002 is one of the biggest wins in the history of this fixture. It showcased Madrid’s attacking prowess during the era of Galácticos.
3. Where do Real Madrid and Alavés play their home matches?
Real Madrid plays at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, while Alavés plays at the Estadio Mendizorrotza in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
4. Who are some notable players who have played for both clubs?
One of the few notable players who have played for both clubs is Joselu, who had a stint at Real Madrid early in his career and later became a key player for Alavés.
5. What are some of the tactical challenges Alavés faces when playing against Real Madrid?
Alavés faces the challenge of dealing with Madrid’s pace on the wings, creative midfield, and individual brilliance of players like Vinícius. Defensively, they often need to stay compact and disciplined to prevent Madrid from exploiting spaces.
6. Has Alaves ever beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabeu?
Yes, Alaves has managed a rare victory at the Santiago Bernabéu, notably winning 1-0 in 2000. However, such victories are few and far between.
7. What is the most iconic Real Madrid vs Alaves match?
One of the most iconic matches took place in November 2020, when Alavés defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Bernabéu. The victory was significant as it came during a period when Madrid was struggling for consistency.
In conclusion
the Real Madrid vs Alaves fixture may not be as famous as some of the bigger La Liga derbies, but it is always an exciting matchup. With Real Madrid’s star power and Alavés’ fighting spirit, these games often showcase the beauty and unpredictability of football.