Rodrygo secured Real Madrid a crucial 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday in LaLiga, ending a dismal run of form and keeping them within four points of leaders Barcelona.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Alavés (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Asencio, Huijsen; Ceballos, Güler; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; G. García.

Rodrygo secured Real Madrid a crucial 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday in LaLiga, ending a dismal run of form and keeping them within four points of leaders Barcelona.

Deportivo Alaves will face Real Madrid for a Matchday 16 clash in the 2025/26 La Liga season. Here’s everything you need to know, including kickoff times and how to watch the action live on TV and streaming platforms.

Vinicius Junior, who had been relatively invisible all night long, bested Jonny Otto down the left flank with a blistering run that ended with a pass across the face of goal to his fellow countryman Rodrygo. The Brazilian calmly slotted home his first league goal in nearly 12 months to give Real Madrid the lead.

Raphinha scored a brace as Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to increase its La Liga lead on Saturday and pile more pressure on beleaguered Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso. The Brazil forward broke the deadlock with a shot from the top of the area in the 70th minute at Camp Nou.

Expert recap and game analysis of the Alavés vs. Real Madrid Spanish Laliga game from December 14, 2025 on ESPN.

Spanish reports have revealed which one of Real Madrid and Barcelona that Kobbie Mainoo prefers to join amid claims both are positioning themselves in the mix to sign him in January, while sources have made clear the player’s stance on leaving Manchester United and with two more major European clubs also plotting approaches.

Real Madrid defeated Alaves 2-1 on Sunday to take some of the heat off head coach Xabi Alonso for now. The Athletic reported on Thursday that Alonso was facing increasing pressure at the club after a poor run of results.

“Xabi stay, Xabi stay,” Barcelona fans chanted from the stands at Camp Nou during the match against Osasuna. The chant, clearly delivered with irony, reflects the current perception surrounding Alonso: that his time at Real Madrid has been harmful to the team. That explains why Barcelona supporters would like his tenure to last as long as possible.