The La Liga fixture between Real Madrid and Alavés on April 13, 2025, offered another chapter in Los Blancos’s historic dominance. Played at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, this encounter stood out not just for the result but for the compelling narrative that unfolded over 90 minutes—highlighted by moments of brilliance, a thunderous goal by Eduardo Camavinga, and the rare sight of Kylian Mbappé being sent off.
This blog dives deep into the details, covering everything from team formations to match-changing decisions. It comprehensively reviews the Real Madrid vs. Deportivo Alavés lineups, strategies, and match stats that defined the game.
Match Summary
- Date: April 13, 2025
- Fixture: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés
- Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Final Score: Deportivo Alavés 0 – 1 Real Madrid
- Referee: Alejandro Hernández
Despite the final score reading a narrow 1-0 win for Real Madrid, the game was packed with tactical shifts and dramatic events that forced both teams to adapt under pressure.
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Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Lineups
Deportivo Alavés Starting XI (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Jesús Owono
- Defenders: Nahuel Tenaglia, Aleksandar Sedlar, Rubén Duarte, Manu Sánchez
- Midfielders: Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara
- Attacking Midfielders: Álex Sola, Jon Guridi, Luis Rioja
- Striker: Asier Villalibre
Real Madrid Starting XI (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Lucas Vázquez (c), Raúl Asencio del Rosario, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García
- Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga
- Forwards: Arda Güler, Rodrygo, Kylian Mbappé
Managerial Note: With Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension, Davide Ancelotti led the Real Madrid dugout for this high-stakes clash.
Key Moments
34’ – Goal by Eduardo Camavinga
A moment of pure brilliance saw Camavinga hammer a long-range strike into the top corner after a quick transition initiated by Valverde. This winning goal showcased the Frenchman’s growing importance in the midfield.
38’ – Red Card to Kylian Mbappé
A high tackle on Antonio Blanco saw Mbappé initially shown a yellow card, which was later upgraded to a straight red after VAR intervention. This incident shifted the tactical momentum of the match, forcing Real Madrid to restructure with ten men for more than 50 minutes.
70’ – Red Card to Manu Sánchez
Leveling the playing field regarding the workforce, Sánchez received his marching orders for a dangerous challenge on substitute Vinícius Jr. This opened space again for Real Madrid, who defended their lead with renewed confidence.
Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Stats
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés stats that tell the story beyond the scoreline:
Despite being down to 10 men, Real Madrid’s defensive line stood tall, thanks to commanding performances from Courtois and Rüdiger.
Tactical Analysis: Real Madrid vs Alavés
The match wasn’t merely about goals and cards—it was a chess match between two tactical setups.
Real Madrid’s Approach: Defend and Strike
Once reduced to ten men, Davide Ancelotti shifted Real Madrid into a more conservative 4-4-1 setup, with Rodrygo and Camavinga taking turns covering the midfield and releasing pressure with swift counter-attacks.
Key Tactical Notes:
- Camavinga dropped deeper after the red card, becoming the engine of transitions.
- Rüdiger was dominant aerially, winning 90% of his duels.
- Vázquez managed the game tempo from the right flank, slowing Alavés’ momentum.
Deportivo Alavés: Possession Without Penetration
Alavés struggled to create genuine scoring chances despite having more of the ball. Their attempts to utilize wide play through Rioja and Sola were neutralized effectively by Real Madrid’s full-backs.
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Missed Opportunity:
Alavés lacked a clinical edge in the final third, often over-complicating in the box instead of taking decisive shots.
Individual Performances
Man of the Match: Eduardo Camavinga
- Touches: 84
- Pass Accuracy: 91%
- Shots: 3
- Goal: 1
- Tackles: 4
- Interceptions: 3
The French international was everywhere—scoring, tracking back, and dictating the play rhythm.
Thibaut Courtois – The Wall
Real Madrid’s ever-reliable keeper made four saves and two high claims, standing firm under pressure.
Kylian Mbappé – A Night to Forget
What was supposed to be another show of firepower turned into a frustrating evening for the French star, who now faces suspension for the next league match.
Substitutions
- Real Madrid:
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- Vinícius Jr. ➝ Arda Güler (46’)
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- Nacho ➝ Rodrygo (78’)
- Alavés:
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- Samu Omorodion ➝ Villalibre (65’)
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- Carlos Benavídez ➝ Blanco (72’)
Substitutions did little to the tempo as Real Madrid began game management after the hour mark.
Post-Match Reactions
Davide Ancelotti (Assistant Coach, Real Madrid)
“We showed incredible maturity today. Playing with ten men isn’t easy, but the boys executed the game plan perfectly.”
Asier Villalibre (Alavés Striker)
“We had chances but couldn’t convert. Against a team like Real Madrid, you have to be clinical.”
Historical Rivalry: Real Madrid vs. Alavés
Real Madrid has traditionally dominated this fixture:
Last 10 La Liga Meetings:
-
- Real Madrid Wins: 9
-
- Alavés Wins: 1
-
- Draws: 0
The average scoreline favors Madrid heavily, often by a margin of two or more goals. However, Alavés have proven stubborn on home turf, keeping the margin narrow in recent seasons.
Implications for the League Table
With this win, Real Madrid continues their push for the La Liga title, maintaining pressure on FC Barcelona. Meanwhile, Alavés remains in the bottom half, dangerously flirting with relegation territory.
Two Cents
The Real Madrid vs. Alavés clash tested grit, control, and adaptability. While the stat sheet may suggest a close match, Madrid’s tactical superiority and mental toughness made all the difference. With the La Liga season nearing its climax, such performances show why they remain title favorites.
Deportivo Alavés continues to search for consistency and a reliable goal outlet. Despite showing promise in phases, lapses in discipline and decision-making continue to haunt them.
This match was a must-watch if you’re a fan of tactical football, dramatic red cards, and world-class midfield domination.
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Historical Insights: Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés Rivalry
Though Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés isn’t classified as a classic rivalry, the matchup has featured several interesting twists in La Liga over the decades. Returning to their first league encounter in 1930, the fixture evolved into resilience versus royalty.
- Total Meetings (All Competitions): 36
- Real Madrid won: 29
- Deportivo Alavés Wins: 5
- Draws: 2
Notable Fixtures in the Past
- 2000-01 Season: Alavés stunned the footballing world with a 1-0 win over Real Madrid, which echoed the rise of smaller clubs competing with the giants.
- 2018-19 Season: Alavés again triumphed 1-0, thanks to a late goal by Manu García.
- 2020-21 Season: Real Madrid defeated Alavés 4-1, with goals from Casemiro, Hazard, and Benzema (2), showing their dominance post-pandemic.
The consistent trend shows Real Madrid asserting their strength, but Alavés has managed to cause upsets when underestimated. Their counter-attacking style and physicality have occasionally neutralized even elite squads.
Injury Report & Squad Depth
Both teams entered the match with fitness concerns that influenced their lineups and tactical execution.
Real Madrid Injuries
- Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder missed the match due to a minor hamstring issue and was rested ahead of their Champions League quarterfinal.
- David Alaba is still recovering from an ACL injury, leaving a gap in Madrid’s central defense.
- Dani Carvajal: Suspended for card accumulation.
Despite these absences, Real Madrid’s depth—especially the likes of Arda Güler and Fran García—continues to be one of their key assets. The tactical fluidity offered by Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouaméni allows Ancelotti’s side to cover gaps efficiently.
Deportivo Alavés Injuries
- Xeber Alkain: Ruled out due to a long-term foot injury.
- Javi López: A minor knock kept him sidelined for squad rotation purposes.
- Carlos Vicente: Recovered but was benched for fitness reasons.
While Alavés lacks Madrid’s elite depth, its emphasis on youth and tactical cohesion has kept it competitive in tight matches.
What’s Next? Upcoming Fixtures Preview
This Real Madrid vs Alavés showdown sets the stage for critical upcoming fixtures for both clubs.
Real Madrid’s Upcoming Matches
- Champions League Quarterfinal 2nd Leg vs. Manchester City (April 17, 2025): This is a high-stakes match in which the momentum gained from this La Liga victory will be critical.
- La Liga vs Valencia (April 21, 2025): A fixture that could define the title race if Barcelona continues winning.
- Copa del Rey Final vs Atlético Madrid (May 3, 2025): An opportunity for silverware that Madrid will not want to miss.
Deportivo Alavés’ Upcoming Matches
- La Liga vs Osasuna (April 20, 2025): A direct competitor in the lower half of the table—crucial for survival hopes.
- La Liga vs Cádiz (April 27, 2025): Another relegation-zone battle that Alavés must capitalize on.
- La Liga vs Villarreal (May 4, 2025): A challenging fixture that will test their defense and tactical shape.
The next three weeks are pivotal for both sides—but for different reasons.
Player Comparison: Camavinga vs Blanco
A compelling subplot in the Real Madrid vs. Deportivo Alavés match was the midfield duel between Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Blanco. Interestingly, Blanco is a Real Madrid academy product currently on loan at Alavés, making this clash a battle of shared DNA.
Eduardo Camavinga
- Age: 22
- Nationality: French
- Key Traits: Ball-winning, stamina, long-range shooting, press resistance
- Match Impact: Scored the winning goal, controlled midfield transitions, completed four tackles and three interceptions
Antonio Blanco
- Age: 23
- Nationality: Spanish
- Key Traits: Tactical discipline, passing accuracy, positional awareness
- Match Impact: Was one of Alavés’ better performers before being substituted, showcasing maturity against his parent club
Camavinga showcased why he’s considered a future Ballon d’Or candidate, while Blanco highlighted his readiness for more consistent top-flight football. Both players proved their worth in different ways—one as a match-winner, the other as a steady anchor.
Fan and Media Reactions
The aftermath of the Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés match stirred active discussion on social media and sports channels.
Social Media Buzz
- #Camavinga trended in Spain, with fans praising his leadership and adaptability.
- Mbappé’s Red Card drew divided opinions. Some felt the challenge warranted only a yellow; others agreed with the upgrade to red after the VAR review.
- Alavés supporters applauded their team’s resilience and demanded more attacking urgency in the final third.
Expert Comments
Guillem Balagué (Football Analyst):
“Real Madrid showed today why they are not just a squad of stars—they are a well-drilled machine. Even at ten men, they adapted with poise.”
Santiago Segurola (Marca Columnist):
“Mbappé’s red is worrying—not for what it was, but what it shows. Frustration is creeping in, and that’s not what Madrid needs during the title push.”
Conclusion: Lessons from a Hard-Fought Victory
The April 13 showdown between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés was a classic example of how small moments define a season. While it may not be remembered for a flood of goals, the match revealed essential truths:
- Depth Matters: Real Madrid’s ability to shuffle the squad and still win is a testament to their elite recruitment strategy.
- Discipline is Key: Mbappé’s red card could have been catastrophic, but tactical maturity saved the day.
- Camavinga is Underrated No More: With Bellingham out, the Frenchman took the mantle and delivered—offensively and defensively.
From tactical reformation to individual brilliance, this fixture had it all. As Real Madrid edges closer to La Liga glory and Deportivo Alavés continues to fight for top-flight survival, this match may become a turning point in their respective journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who scored in the Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés match on April 13, 2025?
Eduardo Camavinga scored the match’s only goal for Real Madrid in the 34th minute. A long-range strike assisted by Federico Valverde secured a 1-0 win for Los Blancos.
Q2. What were the lineups for Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés?
Real Madrid’s lineup featured:
Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde; Arda Güler, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappé.
Deportivo Alavés started with:
Jesús Owono; Nahuel Tenaglia, Aleksandar Sedlar, Rubén Duarte, Manu Sánchez; Antonio Blanco, Ander Guevara; Álex Sola, Jon Guridi, Luis Rioja; and Asier Villalibre.
Q3. What were the match stats for Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés?
Here are the key Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés stats:
- Possession: Alavés 54% – 46% Real Madrid
- Total Shots: Alavés 12 – 9 Real Madrid
- Shots on Target: Alavés 4 – 3 Real Madrid
- Fouls: Alavés 15 – 13 Real Madrid
- Red Cards: 1 each (Mbappé for Real Madrid, Sánchez for Alavés)
- Corners: 6 (Alavés) – 5 (Real Madrid)
Q4. Why did Kylian Mbappé get a red card in the match against Alavés?
Kylian Mbappé was shown a straight red card in the 38th minute for a dangerous high tackle on Antonio Blanco. The referee initially issued a yellow, but it was upgraded to red after a VAR review.
Q5. What is the historical head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Alavés?
As of April 2025, Real Madrid and Alavés have met over 35 times in La Liga. Real Madrid won 29 games, Alavés claimed five victories, and there were two draws. Los Blancos have dominated the fixture here. Can I watch the highlights of Real Madrid vs. Alavés?
You can catch the match highlights on La Liga’s official YouTube channel or through official broadcasters like ESPN, beIN Sports, or Real Madrid TV. Search for:
“Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés highlights April 13, 2025.”
Q7. What’s next for Real Madrid after this match?
Real Madrid’s next fixtures include:
- UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal 2nd Leg vs Manchester City
- La Liga fixture vs Valencia
- Copa del Rey Final vs Atlético Madrid
Q8. Did Eduardo Camavinga receive Man of the Match?
Yes, Eduardo Camavinga was widely regarded as the Man of the Match for his goal, defensive contributions, and overall midfield control. His performance was pivotal in maintaining Real Madrid’s lead with one Man down.
Q9. How did Alavés perform despite the loss?
Alavés put up a respectable fight and had the upper hand in possession and total shots. However, they lacked the clinical edge in the final third and struggled to break down Real Madrid’s well-structured defense.
Q10. Was this Real Madrid vs Alavés game part of a title-deciding phase?
Yes. Every point is crucial as the La Liga 2024-25 season enters its final stretch. This win helps Real Madrid maintain or extend their lead at the top of the table, keeping their title hopes alive.
