Real Madrid have conceded 10 goals after their first nine games in La Liga this season, which is their joint-highest number at this stage across the last 12 seasons.

They also conceded 10 in 2014-15.

They are also having to make do without the goal threat of striker Karim Benzema, who has been involved in eight goals in his seven games against Alaves in La Liga.

The Frenchman has scored in all four home matches against Alaves, who will be relieved to see his name absent from the teamsheet for this one.

French champions Paris St-Germain can move five points clear of Lille at the top of Ligue 1 when they face Bordeaux, which also kicks of at 20:00 GMT.

Lille would be able to reduce that back to two points with victory over Saint-Etienne tomorrow, while third-placed Marseille currently sit three points behind PSG but with a game in hand.

I'll bring you updates of the big moments from that one during Real's game.

Alaves are unbeaten in their last two away games in La Liga but they haven’t gone three without a defeat since March 2019.

Former Arsenal and West Ham striker Lucas Perez has scored in his last two La Liga games, after failing to score in his previous 15.

Meanwhile, former Newcastle forward Joselu has scored three goals in four games against Real Madrid in La Liga.

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Real boss Zinedine Zidane wasn't for playing down the significance of this match for his side, despite it still being early days in La Liga.

The Frenchman has described tonight's match as "another final".

"We were solid against Inter and we've had other games where we've played very well. We want to do against Alaves what we showed as a team against Milan," Zidane said.

"We've got another final on Saturday with three hugely important points up for grabs.

"It's LaLiga. It's different opposition, in Alaves. They'll make life difficult for us and we want to keep up the good work".

Real Madrid remain without captain Sergio Ramos and striker Karim Benzema for their meeting with Alaves this evening.

Dani Carvajal also misses out with injury and is one of three changes made by Zinedine Zidane following victory over Inter, as Marcelo, Casemiro and Marco Asensio return.

Joselu and Lucas Perez lead the attack for Alaves, who are also without their skipper Manu Garcia after he tested positive for coronavirus.

Real Madrid XI: Courtois, Vazquez, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Modric, Casemiro, Kroos, Asensio, Hazard, Mariano

Alaves XI: Pacheco, Laguardia, Lejeune, Duarte, Navarro, Jota, Battaglia, Pina, Joselu, Perez

Real are without some key figures at the minute.

Let's take a look at who Zinedine Zidane has gone with this evening...

After nine games, Real are fourth in La Liga and six points behind early leaders Real Sociedad.

Real are winless in two league games following a 1-1 draw with Villarreal last weekend and a 4-1 defeat by Valencia earlier in November.

But a win tonight against Alaves, in 15th, would take Real up one place to third - and within three points of Sociedad, who host Villarreal tomorrow.

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Eden Hazard scored his second goal in five appearances for Real Madrid this season in a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan on Wednesday, which edged the 13-time European champions a step closer to qualification for the Champions League last 16.

They are now second in their group, one point behind leaders Borussia Monchengladbach with two games to go, and face third-placed Shakhtar Donetsk in a key game on Tuesday.

But first up, Zinedine Zidane's side need to beat Alaves tonight to avoid slipping further behind in the La Liga title race.

Welcome all!

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