Real Madrid vs. Deportivo Alavés: Three Quick Thoughts Ahead of the La Liga Match

Real Madrid face off against Deportivo Alavés at home on Sunday in La Liga play after two weeks off for the international break. Alex McVey looks forward to the match with three quick thoughts.

Will Madrid suffer a FIFA Hangover?

Surprisingly, Real Madrid’s players have all reportedly returned from international break without any injury issues. With a number of players on National Team duty over the past weekend, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane must be thanking his lucky stars that Los Blancos seem to have avoided the dreaded FIFA virus and stayed healthy.

The La Liga title is on the line, and Madrid need their full slate of players available for the upcoming fixtures.

However, the true test for how Zidane’s men are fairing after the break will come on Sunday, when they square off against Deportivo Alavés in the Santiago Bernabéu.

Even if they have managed to avoid breaking or tearing anything, the international travel demands can take a toll on players’ bodies. Players like Marcelo, Keylor Navas, and James had to travel all the way back to South America, and will will have to deal will severe jet lag, leading Zidane to hold the three out for tomorrow’s fixture.

Additionally, many of Madrid’s players played more than one match for their national selection, so they might be feeling the strain of multiple games in a weekend.

Sergio Ramos was also left out of the squad for this match, presumably in preparation for the tough fixtures coming up throughout the rest of April. It’s good news that our Captain will get a bit of rest, because he will be needed in the tougher matches ahead.

Hopefully Madrid will pull together the physical and mental resolve to push through their weariness and come away with three crucial points.