Real Madrid Aims to Keep La Liga Title Race Alive

Real Madrid is set to host Alavés in a La Liga Matchday 32 clash on April 21, 2026. The game will kick off at 10:30 PM local time at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. This fixture holds significant importance for both sides: the hosts are still clinging to their title hopes, while the visitors desperately need every point in their fight for survival.

Real Madrid currently sits second in the standings with 70 points from 31 matches, boasting an impressive goal difference of 65 scored and 29 conceded. The 'Whites' dropped crucial points in their last two league outings, falling nine points behind leaders Barcelona. However, with some time left in the season, theoretical hopes for the title remain. To keep these hopes alive, Real must secure a win today and put pressure on the Catalans, who play on Wednesday.

On the other hand, Alavés finds themselves in the relegation zone, occupying 17th place with 33 points from the same number of games. The visitors have a negative goal difference, having scored 35 and conceded 46. For them, every point they can snatch today could be invaluable. They are considered significant underdogs in this match, but at this stage of the season, anything can happen.

Real Madrid has been going through a challenging period, recording three losses in their last five matches. The 'Royal Club' suffered two defeats to Bayern Munich in the Champions League (3-4 on April 15, 2026, and 1-2 on April 7, 2026), as well as a surprising 1-2 loss to Mallorca (April 4, 2026). Madrid also drew 1-1 with Girona (April 10, 2026), with their only victory coming against city rivals Atlético Madrid, a 3-2 win (March 22, 2026).

Alavés, meanwhile, has shown inconsistent form, with three draws in their last five matches: 3-3 against Real Sociedad (April 11, 2026), 2-2 with Osasuna (April 5, 2026), and 1-1 against Villarreal (March 13, 2026). The team also secured a 4-3 victory over Celta (March 22, 2026) but suffered a 2-3 defeat to Valencia (March 8, 2026).

In their last five head-to-head encounters, Real Madrid holds a clear advantage with five wins and no losses. Their most recent meeting was on December 14, 2025, when the 'Whites' secured a 2-1 away victory. Prior to that, on April 13, 2025, Real again won by a narrow 1-0 margin at Alavés' home ground. In their last match at the Bernabéu on September 24, 2024, the hosts triumphed 3-2 after a hard-fought contest. A particularly impressive victory for Real Madrid was their 5-0 home win on May 14, 2024. History shows that Alavés has struggled significantly against the Madrid giants, failing to score in three of their last five meetings.

For the hosts, the main concern remains the absence of key players. Rodrygo is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a severe knee injury. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues his recovery from a thigh muscle injury and will miss the match, leaving Andriy Lunin between the posts. Defender Raúl Asensio is also out due to illness (bacterial enterocolitis). The good news for the 'Merengues' is the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni to midfield after serving a Champions League suspension.

The visitors arrive in Madrid with one key player suspended: winger Abde Rebbach, who accumulated yellow cards and will serve a one-match ban. Midfielder Carlos Benavidez remains in the team's infirmary, recovering from an injury. Aside from these two absences, Alavés has no other serious health concerns within the squad and will be able to rely on most of their key players for the tough trip to the Santiago Bernabéu.