By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, December 12 2025 - Real Madrid head into their La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés desperate to rediscover winning form and halt a recent slide that has put manager Xabi Alonso’s future under intense scrutiny.
Los Blancos arrive in Vitoria on the back of a run that has seen their once-promising campaign unravel. Despite opening the season with seven straight La Liga victories, Real Madrid have since won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions, a downturn that includes a 2–0 league defeat to Celta Vigo and a 2–1 home loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.
This has left them four points behind leaders Barcelona and facing mounting pressure both on and off the pitch. With their title challenge faltering and criticism intensifying in Spanish media, Sunday’s fixture at Mendizorrotza Stadium takes on added significance.
Reports suggest that another disappointing result could have major repercussions for Alonso’s tenure, with some outlets claiming his position could be in jeopardy if Real Madrid fails to deliver.
Alavés, currently battling in the lower half of the table, will not be easy opponents. The Basque side has been resilient at home this season, losing only twice in eight league matches at Mendizorrotza and most recently earning a morale-boosting 1–0 victory over Real Sociedad.
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Madrid’s squad situation adds to the challenge. Key players like Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga are doubtful due to fitness concerns, while the club has been hit by multiple absences through injury and suspension, a factor that has compounded their recent struggles.
Despite the mounting pressure, Alonso insists the dressing room remains united, and players have publicly backed the coach in recent days. He has expressed gratitude for their support and emphasised the need to push through the difficult spell together.
A win at Alavés represents more than three points for Real Madrid; it could be the catalyst needed to steady their season and restore confidence among supporters.
But with the title race tightening and questions growing louder around the Bernabéu, the stakes could never be higher.
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