Real Madrid – Alaves

Real Madrid are still leading the standings in the Spanish La Liga, chasing first title since 2012. The Los Blancos are having two points advantage in front of champions Barcelona and they also have a game in hand. This weekend Real Madrid hosts Deportivo Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu and everyone expects to see another win for Zinedine Zidane’s side.

After some period of hesitation, which saw Real Madrid losing the first place to Barcelona, before taking it back, now the Los Blancos once again seem to be on the right path to the title. The European Champions won their last three games in La Liga against Eibar, Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao, which allowed them to keep their slight advantage over Barca in the standings.

As for Deportivo Alaves, the former UEFA Cup finalists are currently in the middle of the table, enjoying a pretty good campaign in La Liga so far. Mauricio Pellegrino’s team achieved its main goal – to keep its place in La Liga, so now Alaves can finish the season in a calm and confident manner. They will also play against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final in May, so this campaign was really successful for them.

Real Madrid will be without the Brazilian midfielder Casemiro for this game as he’s suspended for one match. The good news for Zinedine Zidane are related to his countryman Raphael Varane, who is once again fit and ready to play.

Mauricio Pellegrino can’t use the injured Einar Galilea, while Ruben Sobrino is doubtful for the visit to the capital. Theo Hernandez and Raul Garcia Carnero are now fully fit and ready to play.

Real Madrid are the favourites to win this clash, but they should not forget that Deportivo Alaves managed to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the beginning of the season. They are a dangerous team who should not be underrestimated.