Real Madrid, Barcelona, Espanyol, Sevilla, Real Betis, Girona, Valencia, and Getafe were all in action during the week as each clubs hope to qualify to the next round of the competition.
The Los Blancos are through to the semi-finals where they will face arch-rival Barcelona, with the first leg taking place at Santiago Bernabeu. But before then, Solari’s team will need to overcome Alaves’s challenge on Sunday.
MATCH PREVIEW
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are currently on four-match winning streak and they look to extend it to five games when they tackle out-of-form La Liga side Alaves at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
The Los Blancos started the season in worst form, winning just three games out of 10. Jullen Lopetegui was sacked as result of the unimpressive run of results.
Santiago Solari was hired by the Spanish giants but things didn’t get much better in his first month as the boss.
However, the Argentine has finally brought back the Madrid we saw throughout last season. Solari is getting everything right at the moment and he hope to continue with the impressive display till the end of the season.
His team are in the third position with 39 points , 10 behind League leaders Barcelona who on 49 points.
ALAVES
On the contrary, Alaves are in their best form in many years. Alaves, who narrowly escaped relegation last season, currently occupy the fifth position as they continue to chase after a top-four finish by the end of the season.
Abelardo’s team will hope to return back to winning ways against the rejuvenated Solari’s men after recording two back-to-back defeats to Getafe and Rayo Vallecano
TEAM NEWS
Real Madrid
Solari has a full squad to choose from because all — but one (Jesus Vallejo) — of his first-team players are back from their respective injuries.
Asensio and Gareth BALE, who were unavailable during their mid-week victory over Girona, are back to full fitness and they are likely to make Solari’s starting XI on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Raphael Varane and Dani Carvalho are suspended for the game having been booked in their hard-fought 4-2 victory over Espanyol last weekend.
ALAVES
Rodrigo Ely (Knee) and Adrian Marin( muscular problems) are yet to return from their respective injuries.
Pina is back in contention for a place in the first XI after sitting out last week’s defeat to Rayo Vallecano due to suspension.
Strikers Calleri and Baston are set for a starting role at Santiago Bernabeu, hence, John Guidetti is likely to on the substitute bench.
PROBABLE LINE-UP
Real Madrid
Courtois; Odriozola, Nacho, Ramos, Reguilon; Modric, Kroos, Casemiro; Bale, Benzema, Asensio
Alaves
Pacheco; Martin, Laguardia, Maripan, Duarte; Wakaso, M Garcia, Pina, Burgui; Baston, Calleri