Real Madrid vs Deportivo Alavés: Match Date, TV Channels, and Latest News

Real Madrid is set to face Deportivo Alaves in a LaLiga match on April 20, 2026, as part of the 2025-2026 season campaign. The fixture, scheduled for 4:00 PM CET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the team’s recent form and fan sentiment toward key players, particularly Kylian Mbappé, whose performance has drawn criticism from sections of the Madrid-based support.

The match will be broadcast live across multiple platforms, with official broadcasting rights held by beIN Sports in the Middle East and North Africa, and Movistar+ in Spain. International viewers can access the game via ESPN+ in the United States, Star+ in Latin America, and DAZN in select European and Asian markets. The match will be streamed live on the official LaLiga website and app for subscribers, ensuring global accessibility for fans unable to attend in person.

Ticket sales for the encounter remain strong, with over 60,000 seats already sold as of April 18, 2026, according to Real Madrid’s official ticketing portal. The club has emphasized that the match is part of its broader effort to maintain competitive momentum in LaLiga, where they currently sit second in the table, four points behind leaders Barcelona with six games remaining.

Recent performances have sparked debate among Madridistas, particularly following a 2-2 draw against Real Betis and a narrow 1-0 win over Getafe. Fan groups have voiced concerns over the team’s consistency in front of goal, with some calling for greater accountability from the attacking trio. While no official fan protests have been organized ahead of the Alaves fixture, social media discussions have included calls for whistles during Mbappé’s appearances, reflecting lingering dissatisfaction over his adaptation to the team’s tactical system under head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of the match, acknowledging the pressure but reaffirming his confidence in the squad. “We understand the expectations,” Ancelotti said in a pre-match press conference on April 19. “The players know what this jersey means. We are focused on one game at a time, and our aim is to win, play well, and respect the opposition. Criticism is part of football, but we respond with performance.”

Deportivo Alaves, currently positioned 14th in the LaLiga standings, arrive at the Bernabéu with a mixed run of form, having lost three of their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 1-1 draw at home against Las Palmas. The Basque side will be without suspended midfielder Antonio Blanco, who accumulated his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous match against Villarreal. Alaves manager Luis García Plaza emphasized the difficulty of the task but expressed belief in his team’s ability to compete. “We know it’s a tough challenge,” García Plaza said. “But we have prepared well. We will defend with organization and look to hurt them on the counter. Nothing is impossible in football.”

Injury updates for Real Madrid confirm that David Alaba remains out with a lingering thigh issue, while Eduardo Camavinga is doubtful due to a minor ankle strain sustained in training. However, Vinícius Júnior and Rodri are expected to start, with Jude Bellingham available after recovering from a brief illness. The return of Aurélien Tchouaméni to full fitness has bolstered midfield options, allowing Ancelotti greater flexibility in shaping the starting XI.

Historically, Real Madrid holds a dominant edge in this fixture, having won 18 of the last 20 meetings against Alaves in all competitions, including a 4-0 victory at the Bernabéu during the 2024-2025 season. Alaves’ last win in Madrid dates back to February 2021, a 1-0 triumph in the Copa del Rey. Despite the odds, the Basque club has occasionally posed problems, particularly in tight, low-scoring encounters, making discipline and focus essential for the hosts.

The match carries added significance as part of LaLiga’s final stretch, with European qualification spots still contested across the middle and lower tiers of the table. A win for Real Madrid would not only extend their push for the title but also reinforce their home advantage as they prepare for the final three fixtures of the campaign. For Alaves, avoiding defeat would represent a valuable step toward securing safety from relegation concerns, although their current points total already places them comfortably above the drop zone.

As kickoff approaches, the Santiago Bernabéu is expected to be filled with a passionate crowd, eager to see whether the team can silence critics and deliver a performance worthy of the club’s stature. While external noise persists, the focus within the dressing room remains on execution, unity, and the pursuit of victory — principles that have defined Real Madrid’s approach throughout the 2025-2026 season.