Real Madrid visit Alavés with a depleted defensive line. Xabi Alonso will be forced to deploy some players out of their natural position in what’s expected to be a decisive game for his future. Real Madrid predicted XI: Courtois,

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Alavés (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Huijsen; Ceballos, Güler; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; G. García.

Raphinha scored a brace as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to increase its La Liga lead on Saturday and pile more pressure on beleaguered Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazil forward broke the deadlock with a shot from the top of the area in the 70th minute at Camp Nou.

It was Madrid who took the lead in a frantic first half, Rodrygo ending a 32-game personal scoring drought by firing low past Gianluigi Donnarumma. City responded through Nico O’Reilly, who scored from close range following a corner, then won a penalty when Erling Haaland was bundled to the floor by Antonio Rudiger.

It's back to La Liga action for Real Madrid after their 2-1 Champions League loss in midweek to Manchester City. They are back on the road as they face Alaves a

Real Madrid has had two players sent off in a 2-0 home defeat to Celta Vigo as it lost more ground to Spanish league leader Barcelona.

Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the Real Madrid squad for Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Alaves after missing his side’s last five matches with a thigh injury. The centre-back’s anticipated return comes as Madrid contend with a number of defensive absences and with head coach Xabi Alonso under pressure following a disappointing run of form.

It has been quite some time since Bayern Munich vowed the extend the contract of star defender Dayot Upamecano.The Frenchman, who has been one of Bundesliga’s top-performing defenders this season,