Mbappé Back, Madrid’s La Liga Gamble: A Lineup, Injuries, and an Edge-Seat Coach
13 December 2025
Lineup Preview
Several absences hit Alonso's squad in a clash that could threaten the coach's seat.
Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid's coach, announced his lineup for the Deportivo Alavés match scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, in La Liga's Round 16.
Alonso's options included Mbappé's return, while several players were out through suspension or injury.
The full Madrid squad for the clash is listed below.
Goalkeepers: Courtois and Lunin.
Defenders: Alaba, Mendy, Carvajal, Militao, Nacho.
Midfield: Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga, Ceballos, Tchouaméni.
Attack: Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, Rodrygo, García.
Real Madrid sit second in La Liga with 36 points, four behind Barcelona.
Spanish reports say Alonso could be dismissed if Madrid lose tomorrow's game to Alavés.
The club continues to chase a top-two finish while balancing injuries and suspensions with tactical choices.
Lineup and rotation are under the lens as Madrid eye a strong response after a rough spell.
The coach's seat is in the spotlight as Madrid aim to climb closer to the top; questions linger about rotation and strategy.
Alavés visit looking for an upset, while Madrid's fans hope Mbappé's return sparks the attack and steadies the defense.
Punchline: If Madrid win, the press conference will outlast the match; if they lose, the coffee will be stronger than the morale.
Punchline 2: In La Liga, even a good result can feel like a cliffhanger—real drama, minimal suspense, and a post-match briefing that needs a bigger chair.
