(Football news) Alaves deftly controlled high-flying Girona in their most recent game, while Los Blancos, who were officially crowned champions earlier this month, will go into the game fresh off a 4-0 victory against Granada.
With a record of 28 victories, 6 draws, and 1 loss from 35 games, Real Madrid has had an incredible 2023–24 La Liga season. With 90 points, they are now atop the standings.
May 4 was the formal announcement of the title. Later that same day, Los Blancos defeated Bayern Munich 2-1 at Bernabeu in the second leg of their semi-final to seal their place in the Champions League final.
The next three weeks will be about management of the squad, with head coach Carlo Ancelotti revealing that he has a clear plan when it comes to the minutes each player will receive to put them in prime condition for the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1.
Such is the strength of their squad and confidence in the camp, Ancelotti could make wholesale changes against Granada on Saturday and still watch his side record a 4-0 win, with Brahim Diaz netting a brace, while Fran Garcia and Arda Guler were also on the scoresheet.
Los Blancos have been outstanding at Bernabeu this season, picking up 47 points from their 17 matches courtesy of a record of 15 wins and two draws, and their final three league games of the campaign are against Alaves (H), Villarreal (A) and Real Betis (H).
Alaves have found it difficult on their travels this season, only securing 14 points from 17 matches, while they have lost each of their last four La Liga games against Real Madrid, including a 1-0 defeat earlier this season.
The Basque outfit famously won 2-1 at Bernabeu in November 2020, though, and this will be a free hit for the Blue and Whites, who have impressed following their promotion from the Segunda Division last term.
Luis Garcia Plaza’s side have picked up 42 points from their 35 league matches this season, which has left them in 11th spot in the table, only one point behind 10th-placed Getafe.
Alaves will enter this match in excellent form, picking up 10 points from their last four matches, beating Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo and Valencia before drawing 2-2 with Girona on Saturday.
El Glorioso were on the verge of losing 2-1 to Girona, but Jon Guridi netted his second of the match in the ninth minute of added time at the end of the 90 to secure a point for the hosts, who will take on Getafe (H) and Las Palmas (A) in their final two matches of the campaign.
Real Madrid will again be without the services of David Alaba, with the Austria international a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury, while Aurelien Tchouameni is facing a fight to be available for the Champions League final due to the foot problem that he picked up against Bayern.
Los Blancos have no other injury issues, but Ancelotti has said that he will be rotating his squad in the final stages of the La Liga season to prepare for the Champions League final.
As a result, it would not be a surprise to see some of the big-hitters return on Tuesday, with Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham expected to start.
Federico Valverde and Ferland Mendy could also come into the XI, but Diaz is likely to keep his spot, with Rodrygo potentially starting on the bench.
Thibaut Courtois could start the Champions League final, and the Belgium international is again set to feature between the sticks for Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
As for Alaves, Aleksandar Sedlar is again set to miss out through injury, but on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion will be available after serving a suspension against Girona.
Although the team’s level of fitness will need to be evaluated following the contest on Saturday, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the same outfield players start this game.
With Guridi starting at number ten after scoring two goals against Girona, Kike Garcia will likely lead the line for the Basque team once more.
Saturday marked Jesus Owono’s first appearance of the 2023–24 season. However, Antonio Sivera, the top goalkeeper in the league, is anticipated to take over in goal.
Also read: Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs squad updates
