Real Madrid must bounce back against Alaves after Valencia and Arsenal defeats | OneFootball

A week that brought back-to-back defeats to Valencia in La Liga and Arsenal in Europe has left Real Madrid playing catch-up on two fronts.

Now four points behind Barcelona in the title race and facing a 3-0 deficit in the Champions League, they head to Deportivo Alaves with no option but to respond.

Tomorrow’s game is about rebuilding belief ahead of a near-impossible second leg against Arsenal.

As manager Carlo Ancelotti said in his press conference: “It’s fundamental for us to get back to having good feelings when we play.”

That process must start in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ancelotti insisted his side have trained well since the disaster at Arsenal and are ready to give everything.

“Every defeat brings difficult moments,” he added. “But fortunately, in football, you always have the chance to come back and have a good game.”

Madrid’s opportunity comes against a desperate Alaves side scrapping for survival.

The hosts are just one point above the drop zone and will be encouraged by their recent form, including a hard-fought win over Girona last time out. However, their home form is poor.

The problem for Ancelotti is that his team has not looked focused. Madrid have conceded five goals in their last two matches. Their pressing, running and overall intensity fell short in London.

“We did less in every aspect,” the Italian conceded. “They worked harder than us.”

Alaves may not have Arsenal’s quality, but they will certainly match their intensity. Ancelotti knows his players must raise their level immediately.

“Tomorrow is very important,” he said. “We’re still in the fight for the league.”

A win will not erase what happened in midweek. It will not close the gap to Barcelona either if they beat Leganes tonight.

But it would stop the bleeding, restore a sense of control and plant the seeds of momentum.

Madrid cannot afford another slip. The title race demands perfection. The Champions League demands a miracle. Either way, both journeys start with Alaves.