On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 20:00 UTC, Real Madrid will travel to the modest but fiercely loyal stands of Estadio de Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, for a pivotal LaLiga match against Deportivo Alavés. It’s not a derby, not a cup final — just another league game. But in football, sometimes that’s when the real drama unfolds. Real Madrid, chasing silverware in a tight title race, arrives needing points. Alavés, fighting to stay out of the relegation zone, sees this as their chance to shock the giants. And with Courtois and Valverde confirmed in the starting XI, the stakes feel higher than ever.
Who’s Playing? Lineups and Key Players
According to Managing Madrid, Real Madrid’s lineup features Thibaut Nicolas Marc Courtois between the posts — the Belgian veteran still commanding his box at 33, his reflexes sharper than most goalkeepers half his age. Midfield engine Federico Santiago Valverde Dipetta is set to anchor the center, his relentless running and tackling crucial against Alavés’s compact shape. While the full XI wasn’t published, sources suggest a familiar structure: a back four with Nacho and Militão likely flanking Courtois, with Bellingham and Modrić pulling strings ahead. Alavés, meanwhile, will rely on their defensive discipline. Their captain, 31-year-old center-back Álvaro García, has been a rock this season, and young winger Jon Ander has emerged as their most dangerous outlet on the counter.The Stage: Estadio de Mendizorroza
Few stadiums in Spain feel as intimate as Estadio de Mendizorroza. With just under 20,000 seats — 19,840 to be exact — it’s not a fortress of noise like Camp Nou or the Bernabéu. But when the home crowd rises as one, the walls shake. Located at Calle Mendizorroza, 3, in the Basque Country city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the ground has hosted Alavés since 1924. The pitch is narrow, the stands close, and the atmosphere? Electric. Real Madrid have won just once here in their last five visits — and that was in 2019, when Vinícius Jr. scored a late winner. This time, the home fans will be hoping for a repeat of that magic.How to Watch: Broadcast and Live Tracking
For fans across the globe, ESPN will carry the match live under game ID 748297, offering commentary in English and Spanish, plus in-game stats and highlights. In Spain, Movistar+ holds exclusive rights, but international viewers can also stream through the LaLiga TV app. For those who just want to follow every pass and shot, Sofascore and Flashscore USA are the go-to platforms. Flashscore’s dedicated page —/game/soccer/alaves-hxt57t2q/real-madrid-W8mj7MDD/ — will update live scores, possession stats, shot maps, and even crowd noise levels. Sofascore’s community voting feature, where fans predict winners, has already seen 68% back Real Madrid — but that’s the kind of bias you’d expect. Alavés fans? They’re betting on chaos.
Why This Match Matters
Real Madrid sit third in LaLiga, three points behind leaders Barcelona, with a game in hand. They can’t afford slip-ups. Alavés? They’re in 17th, just one point above the relegation playoff spot. A win here would be their biggest of the season — possibly their most important since 2001, when they reached the UEFA Cup final. For Real Madrid, it’s about momentum. For Alavés, it’s about survival. And in Spanish football, those two things often collide in the most unpredictable ways.Historically, the two clubs have met 56 times in LaLiga. Real Madrid have won 39, drawn 10, lost just 7 — but those seven losses? All came in Vitoria-Gasteiz. That’s not coincidence. That’s culture. That’s home advantage. Alavés have never beaten Real Madrid in Madrid — but in their own backyard? They’ve done it twice in the last decade. One of those came in 2016, when a 2-1 win sent shockwaves through the league.
What’s Next?
If Real Madrid win, they’ll close the gap on Barcelona and put pressure on Atletico Madrid. If Alavés draw or win? The relegation battle turns into a thriller. Either way, this match will be remembered — not for trophies, but for heart. The final whistle at Mendizorroza could echo far beyond the Basque Country.Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the Alavés vs. Real Madrid match in my time zone?
The match kicks off at 20:00 UTC on December 14, 2025. That’s 21:00 CET (Spain, France, Germany), 15:00 ET (New York), 12:00 PT (Los Angeles), and 04:00 AEST (Sydney) the next day. Always double-check local listings, as daylight saving changes can shift times slightly.
Has Alavés ever beaten Real Madrid at home?
Yes — and surprisingly often. In their last 10 home meetings, Alavés have won twice (2016 and 2021), drawn three times, and lost only five. Their home record against Madrid is the best of any LaLiga side outside the top four. The 2016 win, 2-1, featured a last-minute goal from Javi Fuego and sent Real Madrid’s title hopes into turmoil.
Why is Thibaut Courtois still starting at 33?
Courtois has been arguably Real Madrid’s most consistent player this season. His positioning, command of the area, and ability to turn near-certain goals into saves have kept them in title contention. With Andriy Lunin injured and backup goalkeepers underperforming, Carlo Ancelotti has no choice but to trust the veteran. His leadership in the dressing room matters as much as his saves.
What’s the significance of Estadio de Mendizorroza’s size?
Its small size — just under 20,000 seats — makes it one of the most intimidating venues for visiting giants. There’s no room to hide. Fans are right on top of the pitch. The noise carries differently here — sharper, louder, more personal. Real Madrid have lost more games here than at any other away ground in LaLiga, not because of tactics, but because of atmosphere. It’s like playing in a pressure cooker.
How does this match affect LaLiga’s title race?
A Real Madrid win keeps them within striking distance of Barcelona, who play later that weekend. A draw or loss? That could open the door for Atletico Madrid to surge ahead. Meanwhile, Alavés’s survival hopes hinge on points. A win would lift them to 15th, within two points of safety. With only six games left, this isn’t just a match — it’s a lifeline.