Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés match being played today, 21st of April, 2026, is a battle of extremes, with Real Madrid trailing league leaders Barcelona by nine points and Alavés sitting precariously in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone. As the lineups of the game takes form, this is a summary of their 10 matches:

Head-to-Head Summary (Last 10 league matches)

Real Madrid Wins: 9

Deportivo Alavés Wins: 1

Draws: 0

Total Yellow Cards: 42

Average Yellow Cards: 4.2 per match

Total Red Cards: 1

Penalties: 2 (Both for Real Madrid)

Overall matches between them have been historically dominated by Madrid, though Alavés is known for committing high foul volumes to disrupt play.

Most Recent Match (14 December 2025): Deportivo Alavés 1 - 2 Real Madrid

Goals

Total goals scored: 31

Average goals per match: 3.1

Goal Breakdown

Real Madrid: 24

Deportivo Alavés: 7

Home and Away Analysis

Real Madrid has been dominant at the Santiago Bernabéu, averaging 2.31 goals per home game and conceding only 0.81.

However, Alavés has been resilient on the road recently, managing to score in 5 of their last 6 away league matches despite their low position in the table.

Tactical Matchup and Style of Play

Real Madrid

Under Álvaro Arbeloa, Madrid utilizes a 4-4-2 formation with a high press. They rely on the blistering pace of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior for quick transitions and the creative engine of Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde to control the midfield.

Deportivo Alavés

Quique Sánchez Flores typically employs a pragmatic, defensive 5-3-2 or 4-5-1 scheme. They look to sit in a compact low block, frustrating Madrid’s stars and hitting on the counter-attack through the physical presence of Lucas Boyé.

Current Season Form

Real Madrid

They are 2nd in the table but currently reeling from a Champions League exit and a four-game winless run. Despite this, they remain the league’s most clinical home side, with 65 goals scored in 31 matches and only 29 conceded all season.

Deportivo Alavés

They are currently fighting for survival in 17th place. Their recent form is a mix of draws (D-D-W-D-L), showing they are difficult to beat but struggle to close out games. They have scored 35 goals and conceded 46 this season.

Team News and Injuries

Real Madrid

The squad is missing three key players: goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (thigh), forward Rodrygo Goes (cruciate ligament tear), and defender Raúl Asencio (illness). The rest of the squad is available as they look to close the gap on Barcelona.

Deportivo Alavés

The visitors are largely at full strength but will likely be without Carlos Protesoni (leg injury). They are expected to start Antonio Sivera in goal and Lucas Boyé up front to lead the survival effort.

Given the stats in the Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés clash, Real Madrid are the heavy favorites to win, having beaten Alavés in their last 8 consecutive league meetings. However, with Madrid’s morale low following European disappointment and Alavés fighting for their lives, a defensive stalemate is not out of the question.

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