13 August 2021, 22:08 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Spanish LaLiga fixture, Deportivo Alavés vs. Real Madrid kicks off at 21:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 14 at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Preview Deportivo Alavés La Liga, Aug 14, 2021
Preview Hosts, Deportivo Alaves welcome Los Blancos for the opening game of the La Liga season after their pre-season club friendly win over Levante last Friday, the 6th of August. After finishing in 16th position at the end of last season with 38 points, - four points above the bottom three, coach Javier Calleja would be looking to avoid the relegation scrap this season. Limited, - budget-wise, there hasn’t been any big-money transfers in the window but Alaves acquired several players on loan ahead of the 2021/22 La Liga season. Right-winger, 19-year-old Facundo Pellistri of Manchester United returned for a season-long loan after a six-month spell with the Spanish side. I wanted to be at Alavés because I felt very comfortable last season said the Uruguayan who believes his side can pick up a point or more against the 34-time La Liga champions, Real Madrid. The Glorious One would be looking to get off to a flying start on home soil when they line up in the preferred 4—3—3 formation with the trio, centre-forward, John Guidetti, right-winger, Pellistri and left-winger, Luis Rioja all forming part of the attack.
Preview Real Madrid La Liga, Aug 14, 2021
Preview Real Madrid returns behind a pre-season club friendly match against AC Milan which ended in a goalless draw. Before that game, they lost to Rangers FC, 2-1 in another pre-season club-friendly. Los Blancos finished with 84 points last season, - two points behind City rivals and current La Liga champions, Atletico Madrid. Zidane parted ways with the club after failing to win any major piece of silverware at the end of last season. Carlo Ancelotti returned to fill the vacant managerial seat and would be gearing up to challenge for the domestic and the UEFA Champions League titles. Real Madrid acquired the services of Austrian left-back, David Alaba on a free transfer while Brahim Diaz returned to AC Milan for a two-year loan spell after an initial season-long loan with the Italian side. Sergio Ramos exited the club after 16 years to join PSG on a free transfer. Nothing less than a win is expected from Madrid on Saturday when they make their first appearance of the season. However, as many as five players could miss the opening game against Alaves. Right-back, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos (pubis bone irritation) remain doubtful for the fixture alongside Ferland Mendy. A 4—3—3 formation with the Frenchman, Karim Benzema at the centre of the attacking trio, flanked by Vinícius Júnior and Marco Asensio is expected on Match Day 1.