Real Madrid Vs Alaves: A Look Back At 2017

Hey football fanatics! Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit a specific clash from 2017: Real Madrid vs Alaves. While 2017 was a monumental year for Los Blancos, filled with trophies and incredible performances, their encounters with Alaves always provided an interesting subplot. Whether it was a routine league fixture or a cup tie, these games often showcased the gulf in class but also Alaves' fighting spirit. Let's dive deep into what made these matches stand out and the broader context of Real Madrid's dominant era.

The 2017 Landscape for Real Madrid

To truly appreciate the Real Madrid vs Alaves encounters in 2017, we need to set the stage. This was the year Real Madrid cemented their status as a European powerhouse. Under Zinedine Zidane, they achieved an unprecedented feat: becoming the first team to win the Champions League back-to-back in the modern era. This historic victory in Cardiff against Juventus was the cherry on top of a season that also saw them clinch the La Liga title. The squad was brimming with talent – a blend of seasoned superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema, alongside emerging stars like Isco and Marco Asensio. Their attacking prowess, midfield control, and defensive solidity were a formidable combination that few teams could match. The sheer depth of the squad meant that even with rotation, their performance levels rarely dipped. This era was characterized by a winning mentality, where overcoming challenges, even against teams like Alaves, was expected. The pressure to perform week in and week out was immense, but Real Madrid seemed to thrive on it. Their ability to score goals in clutch moments, often led by the talismanic Ronaldo, was a hallmark of their success. Zidane's man-management skills were also crucial; he managed to keep his star-studded squad happy and motivated, ensuring everyone played their part in the team's overall success. This was not just a team; it was a well-oiled machine, purring with confidence and ambition.

Alaves' Challenge: An Uphill Battle

On the other side of the pitch, we had Deportivo Alavés. While they might not have had the global superstars of Real Madrid, Alaves always presented themselves as a team with grit and determination. In 2017, Alaves were establishing themselves as a solid mid-to-lower table La Liga side, capable of causing upsets. Their home ground, Mendizorroza, was known to be a difficult place for visiting teams, with passionate fans creating a hostile atmosphere. Although they were unlikely to challenge Real Madrid for titles, their objective in these fixtures was clear: to put up a fight, gain valuable experience, and perhaps snatch a surprising result. For Alaves, playing against Real Madrid was more than just a game; it was a chance to test their mettle against the best and showcase their own brand of football. They often relied on strong defensive organization, quick counter-attacks, and the individual brilliance of players who could seize the moment. While the odds were stacked against them, they never shied away from the challenge. Their strategy often involved frustrating the opposition, disrupting their rhythm, and looking for any opportunity to exploit a lapse in concentration. It was a David vs. Goliath scenario, but one where David was always ready to swing his sling with all his might. The respect for Real Madrid was evident, but so was the desire to compete and prove that they belonged in the top flight.

The Key Fixtures in 2017

Let's pinpoint some of the notable Real Madrid vs Alaves clashes from 2017. One significant encounter took place on February 18, 2017, at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. This was a La Liga fixture where Real Madrid, as expected, dominated possession and created numerous chances. Cristiano Ronaldo was in fine form, netting a hat-trick to lead his team to a resounding 4-0 victory. The other goal was scored by Dani Benzema. This match exemplified Real Madrid's offensive power when they were at their clinical best. Alaves, despite their efforts, found it difficult to contain the relentless pressure from Madrid's attacking trio. The scoreline reflected the dominance, with Madrid showcasing their superiority in every aspect of the game. The defensive effort from Alaves was commendable in parts, but the sheer quality of Madrid's forwards proved too much to handle. Even when Alaves managed to create a rare chance, the defensive solidity of Real Madrid, marshaled by the experienced Sergio Ramos, was difficult to breach. This game was a testament to the different levels the two clubs were operating at during that period.

Another crucial meeting occurred later in the year, on September 23, 2017, again in La Liga, this time at the Estadio de Gran Canaria. Real Madrid secured a comfortable 2-1 victory. Dani Ceballos, a summer signing for Real Madrid, scored both goals for his new team, showcasing his talent and providing a glimpse of his potential. Alaves managed to pull one back, but it wasn't enough to deny Madrid all three points. This match highlighted the depth of Real Madrid's squad, with Ceballos stepping up to deliver a match-winning performance. It also demonstrated Alaves' resilience, as they fought until the end to try and salvage something from the game. These fixtures weren't just about the result; they were about the narrative of a dominant team playing against a spirited underdog. Each goal, each save, each tackle contributed to the story of Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of success and Alaves' determination to compete.

The Impact of Cristiano Ronaldo

No discussion of Real Madrid vs Alaves in 2017, or indeed any Real Madrid match from that era, is complete without mentioning the colossal impact of Cristiano Ronaldo. His goal-scoring prowess was simply unparalleled. In the 4-0 victory on February 18, 2017, Ronaldo's hat-trick was a masterclass in finishing. He demonstrated his versatility, scoring with his left foot, his right foot, and from the penalty spot. His ability to find the back of the net from seemingly impossible angles and situations was a constant threat to opponents like Alaves. Beyond the sheer numbers, Ronaldo's presence on the field instilled fear in the opposition and inspired his teammates. He was the ultimate game-changer, the player who could turn a tight match into a comfortable win with a moment of individual brilliance. For Alaves, marking Ronaldo was likely the toughest assignment any defender could face. His pace, power, and predatory instincts made him a nightmare to contain. Even when double-teamed, he often found a way to break free or create space for others. His relentless drive to score and win was infectious, setting the standard for the entire Real Madrid squad. His performances against Alaves were just a small sample of the incredible goal-scoring feats he achieved throughout 2017, a year that would see him collect individual accolades and lead Madrid to glory.

Looking Ahead: Real Madrid's Continued Dominance

While the Real Madrid vs Alaves fixtures in 2017 were significant in their own right, they were also part of a larger narrative of Real Madrid's sustained dominance. The club continued to build on their successes in the following seasons, although the treble-winning magic of 2017 proved incredibly difficult to replicate. The team evolved, with players moving on and new talent arriving, but the culture of winning ingrained by Zidane and his players persisted. The legacy of that 2017 squad, including their victories over teams like Alaves, remains a testament to one of the greatest periods in the club's history. These matches, though perhaps not the most high-profile, were crucial stepping stones in their journey, demonstrating their consistency and ability to perform against all types of opposition. The enduring image from 2017 is that of a team firing on all cylinders, conquering Europe and Spain with a style and flair that captivated the football world. And even in games against less-fancied opponents like Alaves, they approached it with the same professionalism and desire to win, which is the mark of a truly great team.

So there you have it, guys! A quick look back at Real Madrid vs Alaves in 2017. It's always fun to revisit these games and remember the incredible talent on display and the sheer dominance of that Real Madrid side. What are your favorite memories from Real Madrid's 2017 season? Let us know in the comments below!