LaLiga Matchweek 8: Team of the Week

Manager

Deportivo Alavés manager Abelardo

Abelardo Fernández - Deportivo Alavés

Current form is always something important to consider, as tactics can change depending on how an opponent has been performing. Alavés manager Abelardo knew that Real Madrid were struggling to score goals, making his decision to sit back and defend an intelligent one on Saturday.

Los Blancos completed three times as many passes (607 to 204) throughout the game and enjoyed almost 70% possession. Scoring chances were present, but at that point, Abelardo was still comfortable with his odds. Real simply could not find the back of the net, with Alavés doing an excellent job of closing passing lanes and keeping their defensive shape.

While home fans would likely have been very happy with a draw, all this hard work was rewarded in the final moments of the game. Manu García’s header in the 95th minute delivered Alavés' first home win against Real Madrid in LaLiga since 1931. Ultimately, a conservative approach from Abelardo put them in the right position late in the match.

Now sitting sixth in the table, El Glorioso returns to action at Celta Vigo after the international break on October 19.