La Liga: Real Out to Extend Table Lead

Real Madrid vs Alaves

After pushing PSG all the way in the Champions League in midweek, it’s back to the bread and butter of La Liga for Real Madrid this weekend.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men are firm favourites to reclaim the title from city rivals Atletico and, while their late reverse in Paris will hurt, they can park that for now and instead focus on domestic duties.

Standing in their way are Alaves who are in the relegation zone. So as La Liga contests go, very few will be expecting anything other than a victory for the leaders this weekend.

And with the chance to move – temporarily at least – seven points clear at the summit, Real will intend to make a statement.

There is also a bigger picture at play too.

Talking Points

For surely if Real are Spanish champions by the summer, it would increase their chances of attracting top players.

That means one man in particular with rumours refusing to go away that Kylian Mbappe will be among their ranks next season.

Mbappe, who scored the last-gasp first-leg winner for PSG in midweek, has been strongly linked with reports suggesting the Frenchman favours such a route.

There will be no shortage of suitors, of course, and this week Mbappe was quoted as saying he is keeping his options open.

Even more reason then for Real to be in the strongest position possible to attract the likes of arguably the world’s most exciting young player should the opportunity arise.

Madrid’s fans serenaded him before their midweek tie which won’t have gone unnoticed. And as Los Blancos look to impress, they should be at full strength this weekend.

Aside from Mariano Diaz (pelvis), there are no known injury or suspension concerns.

Federico Valverde could potentially come in for Luka Modric in the middle of the park, while Rodrygo is reportedly in line to replace Marco Asensio on the right of the front three.

Alaves, meanwhile, will again be without the services of Ximo Navarro due to a knee injury, but the visitors are otherwise in strong shape heading into Saturday night’s match.

After their 2-1 home success over Valencia last weekend, an unchanged line-up would be no surprise with Joselu expected to lead the line with Luis Rioja and Jason likely to retain their spots in the wide areas.

It’s very rare for Real Madrid to go three games without a goal. And after a stalemate at Villarreal followed by that reverse in Paris, I expect them to produce La Liga 2022 highlights this weekend.

History

This fixture last season produced one of the shocks and ultimately, a costly result as far as Real’s title bid was concerned.

That’s because a Lucas Perez penalty and a Joselu effort early in each half sealed an unlikely 2-1 success for the visitors who held on despite a late consolation from Casemiro.

Since then, Real have twice won 4-1 at Alaves.

Last season, the victory was secured by goals from Casemiro, Karim Benzema (two), and Eden Hazard with Joselu again on target.

Them, on the opening weekend of this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s men repeated the trick with Benzema twice more finding the net alongside Nacho and Vinicius.

Joselu, who clearly enjoys playing against Real, scored from the penalty spot but the hosts could not spoil Ancelotti’s homecoming.

That shock victory last term remains one of only two Alaves successes against Real in their last 19 meetings – a run going back to the turn of the millennium.

Overall, Real have 28 victories, Alaves five, and there have been two draws.

Betting Tip

	Real Madrid vs Alaves	Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.18
	February 20, 04:00 (GMT+8)

Real are overwhelming favourites as you would expect for a side at the top of the table at home to a side in the bottom three.

With the SBOTOP La Liga 2022 betting odds, they can be backed First Half 1X2 @ 1.65, 1X2 @ 1.23, First Half Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.42, and Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 2.17.

Another Alaves shock would earn you a nice payday with odds including First Half 1X2 @ 7.40, 1X2 @ 11.50, First Half Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.00, and Asian Handicap +1.50 @ 2.33.

For goals, Over 3.25 is on offer @ 2.13, Total Goal 0-1 @ 5.20, 2-3 @ 2.18, and 4-6 @ 2.58.

A repeat of Alaves’ 2-1 triumph from last season will provide you an enjoyable day at the office @ 48.00 with Correct Score.

Although I cannot see past a home win, Alaves’ victory last weekend will have lifted their spirits and I think they will try and keep things tight in the Bernabeu.

 

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