At the end of the match, BD Cricket Match reporters noticed Real Madrid players walking along the Mendizorroza Stadium tunnel toward their distinctive white team bus, just like after every other game, except for one small detail. Rafa Marín, currently on loan at Alavés, was seen following the Real Madrid squad before realizing his mistake halfway through and waving goodbye to his former teammates.
This was an understandable slip, as the 21-year-old has been part of Real Madrid’s youth system for seven years and only made his top-flight debut this season. With Alaba suffering an ACL tear, making him the third Real Madrid player this season with such an injury, the club is now considering signing a new center-back. Since Éder Militão is also out until at least March with a similar injury, Marín’s recall has become a potential solution, even though he is not expected to return to Madrid immediately. Despite the evident injury crisis in defense, Real Madrid arrived in Vitoria-Gasteiz with a positive attitude.
The club executives were celebrating a European Court ruling that reignited debate over the future of the European Super League, a project Real Madrid has backed since the beginning. Against Alavés, Real Madrid brought only two senior center-backs: Rüdiger and captain Nacho. With Girona drawing against Real Betis, Ancelotti’s players knew a win would take them back to the top of the league. Shortly after the second half began, Nacho was sent off with a straight red card for stepping on Omorodion’s ankle—initially shown a yellow that was upgraded after VAR review.
Ancelotti was then forced to make an expected tactical shift by moving Tchouaméni to the center-back position. This adjustment turned out to be a smart one. The 23-year-old French midfielder did not weaken the back line at all and formed a strong defensive partnership with Rüdiger. Tchouaméni made a critical block during Alavés’ counterattack, helping Real Madrid preserve hope of a win. When Lucas Vázquez scored the match-winning goal from a corner, Valverde led a wild celebration. Earlier this season, Tchouaméni had already impressed in central defense against Osasuna.
On the other end of the pitch, Marín also left a strong impression. According to Alavés sources, Marín’s loan contract includes a termination clause, just like all Real Madrid deals. Still, it’s unlikely the club will recall him early. Real Madrid appears to believe that bringing him back now would be counterproductive. BD Cricket Match reporters suggest they know Marín will return on a free transfer in the summer, and if he comes back too early, he won’t get much playing time, missing the valuable experience he’s gaining now.
Ultimately, while Real Madrid battles a defensive crisis, their flexible squad and players like Tchouaméni offer crucial support. Marín’s progress is being carefully monitored, but the club seems committed to letting him grow before reintegrating him into the team.