Real Madrid Seeks to Close Gap on Barca in Pivotal La Liga Matchup

Real Madrid will be looking to maintain their pursuit of La Liga leaders Barcelona when they host Alaves in a vital league encounter. With the top of the table tight, Carlo Ancelotti's side know they can't afford any slip-ups if they want to reel in their rivals.

The Whites bounced back from their surprise defeat to Mallorca with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Girona last time out, but they'll be wary of Alaves, who have proven a tricky opponent in recent seasons.

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Ancelotti will be boosted by the return of Karim Benzema after the French striker missed the Girona game through injury. However, the Madrid boss faces a selection headache in defense, with Eder Militao suspended and Antonio Rudiger an injury doubt.

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Alaves, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency this season and sit just two points above the relegation zone. Luis Garcia's side were beaten 2-1 by Cádiz in their last outing, and they'll need to be at their best to get anything from this trip to the Santiago Bernabéu.

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With Barcelona having already played, Real Madrid know they can't afford any slip-ups as they look to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. This promises to be a tightly contested affair, and Ancelotti will be hoping his side can secure all three points to maintain their challenge.