The Crisis XI: Real Madrid’s Shock Lineup Vs. Alavés And Xabi Alonso’s Riskiest Debut

The Real Madrid starting lineup for today’s La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés on Sunday, December 14, 2025, is one of the most unexpected and crisis-driven selections in recent memory. Manager Xabi Alonso is facing an unprecedented injury catastrophe that has forced him to overhaul his tactical blueprint and hand crucial debuts to promising youth academy talents. This isn't just a rotation; it's a strategic emergency that will test the depth and resilience of the *Los Blancos* squad to its absolute limit, particularly in the defensive third, where familiar faces are entirely absent. The focus shifts from established Galacticos to the next generation.

The match at Mendizorroza is a pivotal moment in the title race, and the predicted eleven reflects a blend of world-class star power—led by Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.—combined with several young players plucked from the *Castilla* squad. The sheer number of first-team absentees means the pressure is immense on these debutants and the established midfielders who must now fill defensive voids. This article breaks down the likely starting XI, the tactical implications of Alonso's choices, and the full extent of the current injury crisis that necessitated this radical change.

Real Madrid’s Emergency Starting XI vs. Alavés: Full Predicted Lineup (December 14, 2025)

The predicted starting eleven for the match against Alavés, while featuring a standard 4-3-3 formation on paper, is anything but standard in personnel. The defensive line is almost entirely composed of players either out of position or making their first-team debut.

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• Goalkeeper (GK): Thibaut Courtois
• Right-Back (RB): Fede Valverde (Emergency Fullback)
• Centre-Back (CB): Raúl Asencio (Young Talent)
• Centre-Back (CB): Aurélien Tchouaméni (Midfielder-Turned-Defender)
• Left-Back (LB): Víctor Valdepeñas (Potential Debutant)
• Central Midfield (CM): Dani Ceballos
• Central Midfield (CM): Arda Güler
• Attacking Midfield (CAM): Jude Bellingham
• Right Wing (RW): Rodrygo Goes
• Centre-Forward (CF): Gonzalo García (Young Striker)
• Left Wing (LW): Vinicius Jr.

Key Tactical Entities: The formation is fluid, likely shifting between a 4-3-3 in attack and a more compact 4-4-2 in defense, with Bellingham given a free role behind the front three. The most striking change is the defensive spine, which sees midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni deployed as a center-back—a role he has occasionally filled—and Fede Valverde covering the right-back position due to the complete lack of senior fullbacks.

The Defensive Crisis: Why Xabi Alonso is Forced to Play Castilla Stars

The necessity of fielding a makeshift defense is directly linked to a staggering injury and suspension list that has decimated the backline. This crisis has forced Xabi Alonso to look to the *La Fábrica* (Real Madrid's academy) for immediate solutions, resulting in the potential debut of 19-year-old Víctor Valdepeñas.

The Crippling Injury List

The list of unavailable defenders and key midfielders is unprecedented for this stage of the season, fundamentally altering Real Madrid's tactical balance.

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• Éder Militão: Out with a severe tendon injury.
• Dani Carvajal: Sidelined following knee surgery, expected back late December 2025.
• Ferland Mendy: Muscle injury, out until early January 2026.
• Alexander-Arnold: Hamstring injury.
• Eduardo Camavinga: Dealing with ankle/calf problems, expected return December 17, 2025.

The absence of both first-choice fullbacks (Carvajal and Mendy) and key center-backs (Militão) means Alonso's hand is forced. The decision to use Tchouaméni as a center-back provides a ball-playing option from the back, but it removes a vital shield from the midfield, placing immense pressure on Dani Ceballos and Arda Güler to control the tempo and protect the defense.

The Youth Revolution: Valdepeñas, Asencio, and Gonzalo García

The silver lining in this defensive turmoil is the opportunity for young talents to step up. The Alavés match could be a defining moment for three specific *Castilla* players who are being thrust onto the senior stage. This is a crucial test of the club's development system.

Víctor Valdepeñas: The Emergency Fullback

Víctor Valdepeñas, a 19-year-old Spanish defender, is reportedly in line for a shock debut at left-back, a position he can cover despite primarily being a center-back for Real Madrid Castilla. His inclusion highlights the severity of the injury crisis, but his profile—tall (188 cm), left-footed, and tactically astute—makes him a compelling prospect. His performance will be closely scrutinized as Xabi Alonso seeks a reliable solution in the wide defensive areas.

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Gonzalo García: The Striker’s Chance

Up front, 21-year-old centre-forward Gonzalo García Torres is predicted to lead the line, flanked by the world-class duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. Gonzalo, a technically gifted forward from Spain, has been highly rated in *La Fábrica* and his presence allows Rodrygo and Vinicius to operate in their preferred wide attacking roles. This attacking trident provides a blend of pace, flair, and youthful exuberance, aiming to compensate for any defensive vulnerabilities with overwhelming offensive power.

Raúl Asencio: The Unsung Center-Back

Beside Tchouaméni, Raúl Asencio, another young center-back, is expected to start. Asencio has shown maturity in the youth ranks and is now tasked with forming an unlikely partnership with the French midfielder. His ability to communicate and coordinate with the makeshift backline will be essential in keeping a clean sheet against a disciplined Alavés side.

Xabi Alonso’s Tactical Dilemma: 4-3-3 vs. 4-2-3-1 Flexibility

The tactical setup under Xabi Alonso has been a subject of intense debate since his arrival, with his successful 3-back system from Bayer Leverkusen often discussed. However, the current personnel crisis dictates a more pragmatic approach.

The predicted formation is a flexible 4-3-3, which can morph into a 4-2-3-1 depending on the positioning of Jude Bellingham. In possession, Alonso's team will rely heavily on:

• Bellingham’s Free Role: The English superstar will be the primary link between the midfield and the attack, tasked with creating chances and driving the team forward.
• Vinicius Jr.'s Explosiveness: The Brazilian winger remains the most potent threat, utilizing his pace to exploit spaces left by the Alavés defense.
• Valverde’s Engine: Fede Valverde’s incredible stamina will be crucial, as he will need to cover the entire right flank, balancing his defensive duties with providing width in attack.

The primary tactical goal for Alonso is damage limitation at the back while maximizing the clinical finishing of his forward line. The midfield trio of Ceballos, Güler, and Bellingham must dominate possession to shield the inexperienced defense. This match is a fascinating study in adapting high-level tactics to a severe personnel shortage, and the performance of the young debutants will define not only the result but potentially the rest of Real Madrid's season. The pressure is on Xabi Alonso to prove his tactical acumen in a true moment of adversity.