Deportivo Alavés vs Real Madrid Lineups: Predicted XI & 2-1 Result

Real Madrid stretched their remarkable LaLiga run against Deportivo Alavés to eight consecutive wins on April 21, 2026, grinding out a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu that kept their slim title hopes flickering. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring at the 30th minute before Vinícius Jr. doubled the lead after halftime.

Match Date: Apr 21, 2026 · Competition: LaLiga Round 33 · Result: Real Madrid 2-1 Alavés · Key Scorers: Mbappé, Vinícius Jr.

Who scored the Madrid goal against Alavés?

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring with a precise finish at the 30th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to put Real Madrid ahead (LaLiga Official match report). The French forward has been a consistent threat throughout the season, and his timing couldn’t have been better as Real Madrid pushed for maximum points in a tight title race.

Kylian Mbappé’s contribution

Mbappé’s strike at 30′ marked another goal in what’s been a productive debut season for the French superstar at the Bernabéu. His movement off the ball created space for teammates, and his clinical finishing proved the difference maker. Multiple preview sources had predicted Mbappé as a key figure in the attacking setup (Sports Illustrated match preview), and he delivered exactly what was expected.

Vinícius Junior’s role

Vinícius Jr. doubled the lead just past the hour mark, converting at 50′ to give Real Madrid a cushion that ultimately proved necessary (LaLiga Official match report). The Brazilian winger’s pace and direct running stretched Alavés’ defense, creating gaps that he and Mbappé exploited throughout the match.

Alavés managed a consolation through T. Martínez in stoppage time (93′), but it was too little, too late for the visitors (LaLiga Official match report).

What are the predicted lineups for Real Madrid vs Alavés?

Before kickoff, multiple outlets published their predicted XIs for both sides. Sports Illustrated’s preview featured a 4-4-2 formation for Real Madrid with Lunin in goal and a midfield featuring Bellingham, Tchouameni, and Güler alongside Valverde (Sports Illustrated match preview). FotMob offered an alternative with Courtois as goalkeeper and Rüdiger anchoring the defense (FotMob lineup data), while Sports Mole published a third variation featuring Alexander-Arnold and Carreras in the fullback positions (Sports Mole match guide).

Real Madrid starting XI

Predicted formations ranged from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3, with the goalkeeper position being the most debated spot. Based on aggregated previews:

• Goalkeeper: Andriy Lunin (primary) / Thibaut Courtois (alternative)
• Defense: Variations included Carvajal, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; or Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Rudiger, Carreras
• Midfield: Valverde, Tchouameni, Güler, Bellingham across multiple sources
• Attack: Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. featured in virtually every prediction

Deportivo Alavés lineup

Alavés’ predicted setup varied between 5-3-2 and 4-1-4-1 formations. Sports Illustrated projected Sivera in goal with Tenaglia and Otto as central defensive figures, while FotMob suggested an alternative with Boye leading the line (FotMob lineup data). Sports Mole noted that Yusi was likely to replace Rebbach, and Boye was pushing for a starting spot (Sports Mole match guide).

The implication: Alavés arrived at the Bernabéu with tactical flexibility but facing an opponent that has dominated this fixture for years.

Is Deportivo Alavés a good team?

Deportivo Alavés operates as a mid-table LaLiga side without serious relegation concerns or realistic European qualification ambitions. They finished the April 21 match in a comfortable position—neither fighting to survive nor dreaming of continental competition (LaLiga Official match report). Their season narrative centers on development and consistency rather than exceptional achievement.

Recent form

Alavés came into this fixture having secured results against lower-tier opponents while struggling against top-four clubs. Their possession share of 39.5% at the Bernabéu reflects their typical approach: absorb pressure and look for counter-attacking opportunities (LaLiga Official match report). The late consolation from T. Martínez at 93′ demonstrated they refused to fold completely despite the result being decided.

Historical performance vs Real Madrid

The head-to-head record makes grim reading for Alavés fans. Sports Illustrated’s match preview confirmed Real Madrid had won their last eight previous meetings against Alavés, with Alavés’ last victory at the Bernabéu coming in November 2020 (Sports Illustrated match preview). Real Madrid have treated this fixture as guaranteed three points for nearly six years, and the narrow 2-1 margin on April 21 actually represents one of Alavés’ more competitive showings in recent memory.

What is the prediction for Real Madrid vs Alavés?

Sports Illustrated’s pre-match prediction foresaw a closer contest than many expected: Real Madrid 3-2 Deportivo Alavés (Sports Illustrated match preview). The actual 2-1 result validated the general direction—Real Madrid winning—but the margin proved tighter than the scoreline suggested. Alavés’ 93rd-minute goal made the final moments genuinely uncomfortable for the home side.

Match preview

Real Madrid arrived off the back of a 1-1 draw against Girona on April 10, 2026 (Sports Mole match guide), a result that tightened the title race and put pressure on every subsequent fixture. The visit from Alavés represented an opportunity to reset and collect three points against a side they’ve historically dominated.

Key tactical battles

The central midfield battle featured Bellingham against Alavés’ Guridi, with both players tasked with controlling tempo and transitioning quickly. Real Madrid’s 60.5% possession advantage (LaLiga Official match report) confirmed they won this tactical duel comfortably. Alavés managed only 12 fouls compared to Real Madrid’s single foul, suggesting disciplined defensive work that lacked cutting edge in the final third.

What this means: Even when Alavés executes their game plan effectively, Real Madrid’s individual quality—particularly through Mbappé and Vinícius Jr.—proves decisive.

Real Madrid vs Alavés: Where to watch and stats?

The match kicked off at 7:30 pm or 8:30 pm on April 21, 2026, with the exact time varying by regional broadcast schedules (Sports Mole match guide). LaLiga Official served as the primary source for match statistics, confirmed lineups, and official match reports.

Head-to-head stats

The December 14, 2025 meeting provided the most recent comparable data: Real Madrid won 2-1 away at Alavés in LaLiga Round 16, with goals from Mbappé (24′), Rodrygo (76′), and Vinícius (80′) (Sports Mole match guide). That match followed a remarkably similar script to April’s encounter—Real Madrid controlling, Alavés competitive but ultimately second-best.

The pattern: Earlier meetings between these clubs have featured lopsided scores, though specific dates and contexts varied. Real Madrid’s dominance across multiple seasons holds regardless of the margin.

What this means: The lineup table highlights how pre-match predictions varied significantly across sources, with the actual XI remaining unconfirmed in official team sheets.