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.

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'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

Manchester City defeated Real Madrid in the biggest match of Wednesday's Matchday 6 action in the UEFA Champions League.

Even for Real Madrid, this has been an exceptionally dramatic week. The tensions and turbulence around Xabi Alonso came to a head after Sunday’s shambolic 2-0 home defeat against Celta Vigo in La Liga. It put his position in serious jeopardy, following a torrid run of form that has left them four points behind Clasico rivals Barcelona.

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,