Mbappé Back in Command: Real Madrid Take on Alavés with a Star Return

Mbappé Returns to Lead Madrid

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso announced the starting XI for a Sunday La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés, to be played at Mendizorrotza as Matchday 17 unfolds.

Mbappé is back after a full recovery from injury, rejoining the attack after missing the previous game against Manchester City in the Champions League.

The lineup also features the young Valdebenas, as several full-backs are sidelined by suspensions or injuries.

Lineup and Match Context

The Real Madrid starting XI was as follows:

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois

Defense: Valdebenas, Rudiger, Asensio, Valverde

Midfield: Bellingham, Tchouaméni, Guler

Attack: Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo

Real Madrid sit second in La Liga with 36 points, while Alavés occupy 12th place with 18 points.

Punchline 1: If the ball had a passport, Mbappé might already be filing a visa after tonight’s performance.

Punchline 2: If the defense keeps this up, the scoreboard might need a wind direction indicator to show who’s really controlling the gusts.