class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Carlo Ancelotti's men begin their quest for a 35th La Liga title on Saturday evening in the Basque Country where a low-scoring game looks likely
Real Madrid begin their La Liga campaign on Saturday evening with a visit to the Estadio Mendizorroza to face Alaves.
It has been a summer of major upheaval at the Bernabeu with Sergio Ramos and Rafael Varane following manager Zinedine Zidane out of the door, three stalwarts of Los Blancos’ success over the last five years.
Carlo Ancelotti has returned to the Spanish capital for a second spell at the helm, and the Italian has been charged with trying to make the best of what he has knowing there will be little in terms of transfers coming in for the 13-time European champions.
Alaves vs Real Madrid latest odds
Alaves ended the previous campaign strongly, winning three and drawing one of their last four league games and bet365 offer Javi Calleja’s men at 11/2 (6.50).
Real Madrid, for their part, can be backed at 2/5 (1.40) with the draw available at 15/4 (4.75).
TV channel, live stream & how to watch
LaLigaTV Premier Player
The game is being shown live on LaLigaTV in the United Kingdom (UK). The Premier Player will be streaming the game live online.
Alaves vs Real Madrid team news
The Basques are without new signing Mamadou Loum with the Senegalese midfielder suffering a thigh injury.
Madrid are without first-choice left-back Ferland Mendy so Ancelotti will have to decide between club captain Marcelo and impressive youngster Miguel Gutierrez.
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Toni Kroos is likely to miss out in midfield through injury while Dani Ceballos is back at the club after a two-season loan but unavailable with a ligament problem.
Alaves vs Real Madrid preview
Real Madrid have not lost their opening match of the season since 2008 and Ancelotti’s men should be able to keep that unbeaten record going this weekend.
Whether they produce a scintillating performance is perhaps more in doubt and much will depend on the physical condition of Karim Benzema.
The French striker was the fulcrum of Madrid’s attacking play last season but caught coronavirus in the final week of July.
His preparation therefore for the new campaign has been hampered and Los Blancos will need him at his best given his importance to the side.
Madrid will also need other players to share the burden of scoring this term, with last season seeing them overly reliant on Benzema for goals and the side often lacking a killer instinct in the final third.
16 of Madrid’s last 19 La Liga matches have seen under 3.5 goals and a repeat on Saturday night looks likely.
Alaves vs Real Madrid tips & predictions
Real Madrid to win and under 3.5 goals in the game is priced at 5/4 (2.25) and looks like an attractive option for this weekend’s clash.
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