Real Madrid host Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu on April 21, 2026, in a La Liga fixture carrying very different consequences for the two clubs. Madrid enter the match second in the table and nine points behind leaders Barcelona, leaving Álvaro Arbeloa's side with little room for error if they are to keep their fading title hopes alive.
Alavés face an even more urgent situation. The Basque club sits 17th with 33 points, only one point above the relegation zone, meaning every remaining fixture could prove decisive in their battle to stay in La Liga.
The recent head-to-head record heavily favours Real Madrid, who had won eight consecutive league meetings against Alavés before this fixture. However, Madrid's poor recent form and Alavés' improved performances under Quique Sánchez Flores give the visitors at least some reason to believe they can make the contest more difficult than the historical record suggests.
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Real Madrid vs Alavés: Last 10 La Liga Meetings
The 10 league meetings immediately before April 21, 2026 produced an overwhelming advantage for Real Madrid.
Across those matches:
Real Madrid wins: 9
Deportivo Alavés wins: 1
Draws: 0
Real Madrid goals: 26
Alavés goals: 7
Total goals: 33
Average goals per match: 3.3
The previous 10 league results were:
Alavés 1-2 Real Madrid — December 2025
Alavés 0-1 Real Madrid — April 2025
Real Madrid 3-2 Alavés — September 2024
Real Madrid 5-0 Alavés — May 2024
Alavés 0-1 Real Madrid — December 2023
Real Madrid 3-0 Alavés — February 2022
Alavés 1-4 Real Madrid — August 2021
Alavés 1-4 Real Madrid — January 2021
Real Madrid 1-2 Alavés — November 2020
Real Madrid 2-0 Alavés — July 2020
That sequence shows just how dominant Madrid have been in this matchup. Since losing 2-1 at home in November 2020, Real Madrid had won eight consecutive La Liga matches against Alavés heading into the April 2026 meeting.
Real Madrid Won the Reverse Fixture in December
The most recent meeting before this article came at Mendizorroza on December 14, 2025. Real Madrid won 2-1, with Kylian Mbappé opening the scoring before Carlos Vicente equalised for Alavés in the second half.
Rodrygo then restored Madrid's advantage after Vinícius Júnior created the opportunity, sealing an important away victory. Although Madrid collected all three points, the result was considerably closer than several earlier meetings between the teams.
Alavés created problems and remained competitive until the final whistle. That gives Quique Sánchez Flores' side some encouragement going into the return fixture, even if the Bernabéu represents a very different challenge.
Real Madrid Have Dominated This Fixture
The most striking feature of the recent Real Madrid vs Alavés head-to-head record is the consistency of Madrid's victories. Nine wins in 10 meetings is a commanding record, and several of those victories came by comfortable margins.
Madrid defeated Alavés:
5-0 in May 2024
4-1 in August 2021
4-1 in January 2021
3-0 in February 2022
The May 2024 meeting was especially dominant. Real Madrid had already secured the La Liga title and celebrated with a 5-0 victory at the Bernabéu, with Vinícius Júnior scoring twice while Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Güler also found the net.
That match demonstrated the size of the challenge Alavés can face when Madrid find attacking rhythm at home.
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Alavés' Last Victory Came at the Bernabéu
Despite Madrid's overwhelming recent dominance, Alavés can point to one notable result. Their only victory in the previous 10 meetings came at the Santiago Bernabéu in November 2020, when they won 2-1.
That result is significant because it shows that Alavés have previously managed to upset Madrid away from home. However, much has changed since then.
Madrid won every subsequent league meeting before April 2026, scoring 23 goals across the eight-match winning streak. For Alavés to repeat the 2020 upset, they would need to produce one of their strongest performances of the season.
Real Madrid Enter the Match Under Pressure
Normally, a home fixture against a relegation-threatened opponent would make Real Madrid overwhelming favourites. Their situation in April 2026 is more complicated.
Madrid enter the match after four consecutive games without a victory in all competitions. Their difficult spell included elimination from the Champions League quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, who won a dramatic second leg 4-3 to advance 6-4 on aggregate.
Madrid had also failed to win their previous two La Liga fixtures. That left them nine points behind Barcelona with seven league games remaining. The title race was therefore moving increasingly out of their control.
For Arbeloa's side, the Alavés match represented an opportunity to stop the poor run, restore some confidence and keep at least some pressure on Barcelona.
The Champions League Exit Could Affect Madrid
Real Madrid's elimination from Europe came only days before the Alavés fixture. The nature of the defeat made the situation particularly difficult.
Madrid led three times in the second leg against Bayern but eventually lost after conceding twice late in the game. Eduardo Camavinga was sent off before Bayern completed the comeback, while Arda Güler was also dismissed after the decisive goal.
That result ended Madrid's Champions League campaign and added further disappointment to an already difficult period. The key question was how quickly the squad could respond. A strong start against Alavés could help Madrid put the European setback behind them. A slow or nervous opening, however, could give the visitors confidence.
The Santiago Bernabéu Remains a Major Advantage
Despite Madrid's recent problems, their home record remains one of their strongest arguments. The Bernabéu has historically been an extremely difficult venue for Alavés.
Madrid had won the previous four home league meetings in this matchup before April 2026:
Real Madrid 3-2 Alavés — September 2024
Real Madrid 5-0 Alavés — May 2024
Real Madrid 3-0 Alavés — February 2022
Real Madrid 2-0 Alavés — July 2020
The exception in the broader recent sequence was Alavés' 2-1 victory in November 2020. Madrid also finished the 2025/26 league season with one of the strongest home records in Spain, underlining how difficult the Bernabéu remained for visiting teams. For Alavés, surviving the opening stages without conceding could therefore be particularly important.
Mbappé and Vinícius Remain Madrid's Biggest Threats
Even during a difficult spell, Real Madrid possess individual attackers capable of deciding games without warning. Kylian Mbappé remains the most obvious threat. He scored in the reverse fixture at Mendizorroza and had already established himself as one of Madrid's most important attacking players during the season.
Vinícius Júnior provides a different type of danger. His pace, direct dribbling and ability to attack one-on-one situations can stretch a compact defence and create spaces for teammates.
For Alavés, keeping Madrid's two most explosive attackers away from dangerous transition situations will be essential. If Mbappé and Vinícius repeatedly receive the ball facing goal, the visitors could struggle to maintain their defensive shape.
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Madrid's Midfield Could Control the Game
Real Madrid also have significant technical quality behind their forwards. Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde provide physicality, movement and the ability to progress the ball through midfield, while Arda Güler gives Madrid another creative option.
Arbeloa had highlighted Güler's form before the game after the midfielder scored twice in Munich. Against a likely compact Alavés structure, Madrid's midfielders will need to move the ball quickly enough to create gaps.
Slow possession around the edge of the defensive block would suit the visitors. Quick combinations, switches of play and midfield runs into the penalty area could make Alavés much more uncomfortable.
Alavés Have Improved Under Quique Sánchez Flores
Alavés' league position is dangerous, but their recent form had improved before the trip to Madrid. They entered the game unbeaten in four consecutive La Liga matches, recording one victory and three draws.
That sequence included:
a 3-3 draw away to Real Sociedad
a 2-2 draw against Osasuna
a dramatic 4-3 victory away at Celta Vigo
The run suggested Alavés had become more competitive after Quique Sánchez Flores took charge in March. Interestingly, their recent matches had also become more open.
That represents something of a change from the purely defensive approach often associated with teams fighting relegation. Alavés still need defensive discipline against Madrid, but they have shown greater willingness to attack and take risks.
Alavés' Survival Battle Adds Extra Motivation
While Madrid are trying to rescue their title challenge, Alavés are fighting for their place in La Liga. They entered the match in 17th position with 33 points from 31 games, just one point ahead of Elche in the relegation zone.
Their record stood at eight victories, nine draws and 14 defeats. That position gives Alavés little opportunity to write off difficult fixtures. Even a point at the Bernabéu could become extremely valuable. The visitors therefore have every reason to remain disciplined and patient rather than becoming discouraged by Madrid's historical dominance.
Alavés Cannot Afford Another Defensive Collapse
Alavés' improved results came alongside a concerning defensive trend. Before travelling to Madrid, they had conceded three goals in each of their previous three away matches. That is a major concern against a team containing Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham.
The visitors may be able to create opportunities themselves, but giving Madrid space repeatedly would make an upset extremely unlikely. Their first priority therefore needs to be defensive organisation. Keeping distances small between the defensive and midfield lines could reduce the space available to Madrid's creative players.
Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez Give Alavés an Outlet
Alavés need more than defensive resistance if they are to take something from the game. Lucas Boyé provides a physical attacking presence capable of holding up the ball and giving the team time to move forward.
Toni Martínez had also emerged as an important scorer and entered the match as Alavés' leading goalscorer overall, with 12 goals in all competitions and eight in La Liga. That attacking presence gives Alavés options when they recover possession.
Rather than simply clearing the ball and waiting for another Madrid attack, the visitors need their forwards to secure possession and bring teammates into play. If they can do that consistently, they may be able to attack the spaces Madrid leave behind.
Real Madrid Team News
Madrid entered the fixture with several notable absences. Thibaut Courtois remained unavailable as he continued recovering from a thigh injury, meaning Andriy Lunin was expected to continue in goal. Rodrygo was a long-term absentee after suffering a serious knee injury in March. Raúl Asencio was also unavailable after being diagnosed with gastroenteritis.
Real Madrid's official training update on April 20 confirmed that Courtois, Rodrygo and Asencio were all still working through their respective recovery processes. Despite those absences, Madrid still had enough attacking quality available to enter as strong favourites.
Deportivo Alavés Team News
Alavés also travelled with absences of their own. Carlos Protesoni was unavailable through injury. The visitors were also without Abde Rebbach and Facundo Garcés through suspension.
Antonio Sivera was expected to continue in goal, while Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez remained among the main attacking options. Those absences slightly reduced Quique Sánchez Flores' flexibility, particularly against a Madrid squad capable of changing the game from the bench.
How Real Madrid Could Approach the Match
Madrid are likely to spend long periods with the ball. The key question is what they do with that possession. Alavés will be comfortable allowing Madrid to circulate the ball in areas that do not immediately threaten the penalty box. Arbeloa's side therefore needs movement and speed.
Their best route could involve:
moving the ball quickly from one side to the other;
isolating Vinícius against defenders;
finding Mbappé between or behind the centre-backs;
using Bellingham's runs into the penalty area;
pressing quickly after losing possession;
preventing Alavés from launching counterattacks.
The earlier Madrid score, the more difficult the game becomes for Alavés. If the visitors are forced to abandon a compact structure and chase an equaliser, Madrid's attacking players could find significantly more space.
How Alavés Could Frustrate Madrid
Alavés need almost the opposite type of game. They will want to keep the score level for as long as possible. That means reducing space around their penalty area, staying disciplined when Madrid move the ball wide and avoiding unnecessary mistakes in possession.
When they recover the ball, the visitors need to attack with purpose. Madrid's attacking ambition can occasionally leave space behind the midfield, particularly if both full-backs advance. That could give Alavés opportunities to counter through Boyé, Martínez and supporting runners. The challenge will be finding those moments without becoming too stretched themselves.
Where Real Madrid vs Alavés Could Be Decided
Several factors could determine the result at the Bernabéu.
1. Madrid's Response to European Elimination
Real Madrid had just suffered one of their most painful defeats of the season. Their emotional response could shape the opening stages. If they begin aggressively, Alavés may immediately find themselves under pressure. If Madrid appear flat or frustrated, the visitors could grow in confidence.
2. Alavés' Defensive Concentration
Few teams can afford individual errors against Mbappé and Vinícius. Alavés need to remain organised for the entire match. One poor pass or missed defensive assignment could undo long periods of good work.
3. The First Goal
This may be the biggest tactical factor. If Madrid score first, Alavés will eventually have to take greater risks. If Alavés score first, the pressure inside the Bernabéu could increase significantly.
4. Madrid's Wide Threat
Vinícius and Madrid's overlapping players can stretch compact defensive systems. Alavés need to prevent their defensive line from becoming too narrow and allowing easy opportunities from the wings.
5. Alavés' Counterattacks
The visitors are unlikely to dominate possession. They therefore need to make their attacking transitions count. Even a small number of clear opportunities could become important in a relegation battle.
Real Madrid vs Alavés Goal Trends
The previous 10 league meetings produced 33 goals, averaging 3.3 per match. Real Madrid scored 26 of those goals, while Alavés managed seven. That difference reflects Madrid's overall dominance.
Several meetings were particularly one-sided:
Real Madrid 5-0 Alavés
Real Madrid 3-0 Alavés
Alavés 1-4 Real Madrid
Alavés 1-4 Real Madrid
However, the two most recent fixtures before April 2026 were considerably tighter. Madrid won 1-0 in April 2025 and 2-1 in December 2025. That could suggest Alavés had become better at limiting Madrid's attacking output, even if they still struggled to convert competitive performances into points.
Who Had the Better Head-to-Head Record?
There is little debate about the recent head-to-head advantage. Real Madrid overwhelmingly held the stronger record. They had won nine of the previous 10 La Liga meetings and eight consecutively. Madrid had also outscored Alavés 26-7 across that period.
Alavés' only victory came in November 2020. The statistics therefore make Madrid clear favourites from a historical perspective. But recent form provides at least one reason for caution.
Madrid had gone four matches without winning, while Alavés entered unbeaten in four league games. That made the matchup slightly less predictable than the head-to-head record alone would suggest.
Real Madrid vs Alavés: Who Had the Advantage?
Heading into April 21, 2026, Real Madrid remained the clear favourites.
They had:
won nine of the previous 10 league meetings;
won eight straight against Alavés;
scored 26 goals across the last 10 meetings;
home advantage at the Santiago Bernabéu;
elite attacking options including Mbappé and Vinícius.
Alavés, however, arrived with four league matches unbeaten and the urgency of a relegation battle. Madrid's Champions League elimination and four-game winless run also meant confidence was not as high as their historical record might suggest.
For Madrid, the objective was to end the poor run and keep their slim La Liga title hopes alive. For Alavés, even a single point could prove extremely valuable in the fight for survival.
The statistics heavily favoured Real Madrid, but the visitors had enough recent momentum to believe that disciplined defending and effective counterattacking could at least make the game competitive.
Real Madrid vs Alavés: What the Last 10 Meetings Tell Us
The Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés head-to-head record shows one of the clearest recent advantages between two La Liga clubs.
Across the 10 league meetings immediately before April 21, 2026:
Real Madrid won nine.
Alavés won one.
There were no draws.
Madrid scored 26 goals.
Alavés scored seven.
The teams combined for 33 goals.
Madrid won eight consecutive meetings heading into the fixture.
Alavés' only win in the sample came at the Bernabéu in November 2020.
Historical evidence therefore strongly favoured the home side. But football matches are shaped by more than previous results.
Madrid entered the fixture dealing with European disappointment and their longest winless spell of the season, while Alavés were showing signs of improvement under Quique Sánchez Flores and fighting desperately to remain in La Liga.
That contrast made the April 2026 meeting an important test for both clubs: one trying to salvage its domestic title challenge and the other trying to protect its top-flight status.