Real Madrid vs Alaves Preview: Key Absences and Match Impact

Match Context

Real Madrid host Alaves at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on 21 April 2026 in La Liga (Regular Season - 33). Real Madrid arrive second in the table on 70 points with a +36 goal difference, while Alaves sit seventeenth on 33 points and -11, still looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle.

Real Madrid Availability

Real Madrid face several absences. R. Asencio (Illness) is sidelined. T. Courtois (Thigh Injury) is sidelined, removing an elite option in goal. Rodrygo (Knee Injury) is sidelined, a notable loss in attack. None of these are listed among the league’s top scorers or assist providers, so the main creative and goalscoring burden will continue to fall on Kylian Mbappé (23 league goals) and Vinícius Júnior (11 goals, 5 assists), both available.

Alaves Availability

Alaves also have key issues. F. Garcés (Suspended) is sidelined. C. Protesoni (Muscle Injury) is sidelined. A. Rebbach (Yellow Cards) is sidelined due to suspension. Their leading forwards L. Boyé (11 goals) and Toni Martínez (8 goals, 3 assists) remain available to spearhead the attack.

Impact Summary

Real Madrid lose depth at both ends of the pitch but retain their primary attacking core. Alaves, by contrast, are hit in defense and midfield structure, but crucially keep their main goalscoring threats, preserving most of their attacking output.