Real Madrid faces Alaves in crucial La Liga clash this week

Real Madrid will host Alaves in a vital La Liga match this week at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Madrid side is attempting to keep within striking distance of league leaders Barcelona, trailing by nine points with seven matches remaining. After a dramatic defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, Real Madrid is facing the prospect of a second consecutive season without silverware. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa acknowledged the pressure, stating, "I’m not at all worried [about my future] and I will understand perfectly any decision that the club takes." Meanwhile, Alaves is battling to avoid relegation, sitting just a point above the drop zone. Their manager, Quique Sanchez Flores, noted the challenge of facing a team like Madrid, saying, "We have to do things very well and have a pinch of luck."

In this matchup, Real Madrid is under significant pressure to perform, especially after their recent Champions League exit. The stakes are high for Arbeloa, whose position may be jeopardized if results do not improve. Conversely, Alaves, under Flores, is looking to capitalize on Madrid's vulnerabilities as they fight for survival in La Liga. The outcome of this match could shift the power dynamics within the league, with Real Madrid needing a flawless finish to salvage their title hopes, while Alaves seeks crucial points to secure their top-flight status.

What to watch: The performance of Real Madrid's key players, particularly Kylian Mbappe, will be critical in determining the match's outcome.