Alaves (w) vs Real Madrid 2 (w) on 24 January
The clash between Alaves (w) and Real Madrid 2 (w) in the Women’s Primera RFEF on January 24th promises to be an electrifying encounter that could have significant implications for both teams. The stakes are high as both sides look to secure crucial points in their campaign, with Alaves seeking to climb up the table and Real Madrid 2 aiming to consolidate their position. The match will take place at Alaves' home stadium, where they will have the advantage of familiar surroundings and the support of their passionate fans. With both teams coming into this game off the back of important results, this promises to be a tense, tactical battle that could go either way.
Alaves (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Alaves (w) have been in solid form in recent weeks, with a run of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in their last 5 games. Their tactical setup tends to lean towards a compact, defensive structure, relying heavily on counter-attacks and set-pieces to break down opponents. They generally operate in a 4-3-3 formation, with the midfield trio providing a balance of defensive solidity and offensive creativity. Their pressing game is not overly aggressive but aims to suffocate the opposition in the middle third and force errors. In terms of possession, Alaves often prefers to absorb pressure and strike on the break, rather than dominate the ball. Their xG (expected goals) rate has been a reliable indicator of their direct approach, frequently outpacing the number of goals they score, indicating a tendency to be clinical on their few chances.
Key players for Alaves include their captain, a central midfielder who acts as the engine of the team. She has been crucial in dictating the tempo and transitioning from defense to attack. Additionally, their left-winger has been in fantastic form, creating key chances and contributing to set-piece situations. However, Alaves will miss the services of their first-choice striker due to injury, a blow that could affect their ability to capitalize on the counter-attacks that have been their bread and butter.
Real Madrid 2 (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Real Madrid 2 (w) are a team built on possession-based football, with an emphasis on quick passing and movement to break down opposing defenses. In their last 5 games, they have enjoyed 4 wins and 1 draw, a testament to their growing confidence and understanding of manager’s tactical philosophy. Operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, they focus on controlling the game through their midfield, using short, quick passes to shift the opposition and create space. Their pressing game is more intense compared to Alaves, often seeking to win the ball high up the pitch and immediately transition into attacking areas.
Statistically, Real Madrid 2 (w) leads the league in terms of possession (averaging 60% per match) and passing accuracy, with an impressive 85% completion rate. Their pressing actions are aggressive, often forcing opponents into hurried decisions. Real Madrid 2's most dangerous weapon is their right-winger, who is a dynamic dribbler and a regular goal-scoring threat. The team's leading striker has been in excellent form, scoring consistently and providing crucial assists. There are no major injury concerns for Real Madrid 2, which gives them an additional advantage heading into this match.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their recent encounters, Real Madrid 2 (w) has had the upper hand, winning the last 3 meetings with Alaves (w). However, it’s worth noting that these victories have not come easily. In two of those encounters, Real Madrid 2 (w) had to overcome narrow deficits, showcasing their resilience and ability to fight back. Alaves (w), while not as consistent, have shown that they are capable of troubling the top teams, particularly when playing at home. Historically, these matches have been closely contested, and Alaves will be keen to reverse the trend in front of their home crowd.
The psychological edge might lie with Real Madrid 2 (w), but the Alaves players will be determined to prove that they are more than capable of causing an upset. Their home form, coupled with the fact that Real Madrid 2 has sometimes struggled in away fixtures, could provide the home team with the motivation they need to get a positive result.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The most intriguing individual battle in this match will be the one between Alaves’ central midfielder and Real Madrid 2’s attacking midfielder. Both players are the engines of their respective teams and are responsible for dictating the tempo of the match. The ability of Alaves to stifle Real Madrid 2’s midfield and prevent their creative players from gaining a foothold will be crucial. Additionally, Real Madrid 2’s right-winger will be a key player to watch, as her ability to isolate and exploit Alaves’ left-back could be the difference-maker in the game. If she can provide quality crosses for their striker, Real Madrid 2 (w) may find success in the final third.
Another decisive area of the pitch will be the battle between Alaves’ defense and Real Madrid 2’s attackers. With Alaves expected to sit deep and defend in numbers, Real Madrid 2’s ability to break down a compact defense through quick passing and intelligent runs will be key. Expect to see a lot of high-pressure moments as both teams will look to impose their will in different areas of the field.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given the contrasting styles of play, this match will likely unfold as a battle between Alaves’ compact defensive structure and Real Madrid 2’s possession-based approach. Alaves will look to frustrate their opponents, staying solid at the back and relying on quick counter-attacks to exploit any gaps left by Real Madrid 2’s aggressive pressing game. On the other hand, Real Madrid 2 will dominate possession, searching for ways to break down Alaves’ defense while remaining mindful of the counter-attack.
The most likely scenario is that Real Madrid 2 will control the ball for the majority of the match, but Alaves will make life difficult for them in the final third. Real Madrid 2 will be expected to create more chances, but Alaves could still cause an upset with their direct style of play. Based on form and squad strength, a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid 2 (w) seems the most probable outcome, though the match is expected to be tight, with plenty of key moments that could tip the balance.
Final Thoughts
Both teams have clear tactical approaches that make them dangerous in different ways. Alaves (w) will rely on a solid defensive performance and hope to capitalize on set pieces and counter-attacks, while Real Madrid 2 (w) will look to dominate possession and break down their opponents with fast, fluid football. With both teams motivated to secure a vital three points, the game is set to be a tactical masterclass. The key question this match will answer is: Can Alaves (w) disrupt Real Madrid 2’s possession game, or will the latter prove too strong in the attacking third?
