Abelardo Fernandez has warned Alaves that ‘Real Madrid can’t play with more intensity than us’ on Saturday.
Alaves can move joint-top of La Liga if they beat Madrid and other results go their way, but Abelardo made it clear his side had to be ‘perfect’ in order to have any chance of a scalp.
“They can’t play with more intensity than us,” the Coach said at a Press conference.
“The beauty of being in the Primera is being able to enjoy matches like these, but it’s not a special game, it’s one more. We’ll prepare for this one like any other.
“Madrid didn’t play poorly in Moscow. It’s true that they’ve gone three games without scoring a goal, but they’re the third highest scorers in the League.
“They need a period of adaptation under Julen Lopetegui, although they’ve improved in many areas, such as when applying pressure after losing the ball.
“They remain one of the best teams in the world. They’ll need to have a bad day and us a perfect day to be able to win.
“Alvaro Odriozola and Nacho Fernandez could be starters for any team in the world.
“They have an extraordinary squad because they want to win all the competitions they’re in and can replace anyone losing form with even better players.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are above everyone else and it’ll be very difficult to take points off them when they find their best form.
“We’ve analysed our mistakes and I think we’ll see another side of Alaves. I’m convinced we’ll have a good game.
“Real Madrid are coming here to hurt us and will be very motivated after their recent results.
“I wouldn’t like my players to be any more motivated against Real Madrid than other teams because Madrid aren’t in our League.”
