Deportivo Alavés travelled to the The Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano to face the league leaders in Real Madrid. They set up in a 442 formation with Perez and Joselu leading the attack. Real Madrid started the game in a 433 with Rodrygo and Asensio either side of Benzema who is having a brilliant season, scoring 21 goals in the league, only 2 behind Lionel Messi.
Real Madrid came into the game on a 7 game winning streak and as expected they dominated the ball in this game, ending on 71% possession and with 18 shots on goal. Despite this, it wasn’t an easy game for Madrid as they were vulnerable to the counter attack. Deportivo Alavés came into the game as underdogs however they didn’t disappoint, pressed well, moved the ball well and created a few good chances finishing the game with 10 shots.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Oliver Burke
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Scottish
- Age: 23
- DOB: 07/04/1997
- Club: Deportivo Alavés, on loan from West Brom
- Career: Nottingham Forest, Bradford (L), RB Leipzig, West Brom, Celtic (L), Alavés (L)
- Position: Right Wing
- Secondary Position: Left Wing
- Preferred Foot: Right
Burke started the game on the right of midfield in a 442 formation. He had a slow start to the game and was not seeing much of the ball. When he did get on the ball, he wasn’t very effective with his passing and his runs. However, he did show his ability to press using his pace to close down the Madrid full back and centre back and forcing them into mistakes. Although he has a fairly strong build, he could be a bit stronger in his 1v1 duels as he was sometimes pushed off the ball a bit too easily.
After about 25 minutes Oliver switched to LM and instantly made an impact, showing his blistering pace and close control to run at the Madrid defence, cut in almost scoring with a brilliant strike. He grew into the game now that he was on the left, making runs in behind and was being braver on the ball which was causing problems for the opposition.
Very exciting player to watch, however could still be more clinical and finish off his runs with a goal or an assist. Did not have the best game when he was playing on the right, however if he improves and starts to win more 1v1 duels then he could be more of a threat. Looks more comfortable on the left and upfront in a 2 where he can run into the channels and stretch the defence.
Rating – B1
Adrián Marín
Player Profile:
- Nationality: Spanish
- Age: 23
- DOB: 09/01/1997
- Club: Deportivo Alavés
- Career: Villarreal, CD Leganés, Alavés
- Position: Left Back
- Preferred Foot: Left
Marín showed good pace throughout the game, mainly in defence however getting forward he was dangerous at times; however, he could overlap a bit more and help create a 2v1 in wide areas with his winger. When he did have the ball, he showed good technical ability and demonstrated his ability to retain the ball under pressure. He also showed a good range of passing, by varying his passing whether it be short passing to his midfielders and winger or switching the ball to his opposite winger and full back.
Defensively he was very good, always aware of where his man was and following their runs in behind and stopping Real Madrid from having goal scoring chances. He was also very quick in closing the wide man and stopping crosses coming into the box, showing good intensity.
Very good technical player has the engine to get up and down the left hand side. Good awareness when defending and good positioning to block spaces and passing lanes. I’d like to see him cross the ball a bit more when he is in advanced areas especially the low driven crosses between the defenders and the goalkeeper.
Rating – B1
Target Scouting 