Alavés on the other hand have been active in the market and have made a few eye-catching deals, not least the capture of Japanese striker Taichi Hara and the loan of Facundo Pellestri from Manchester United for a second season. With a bit of luck we’ll get a first look at both of those promising talents this evening.
For a full run down of Madrid’s summer dealings, look no further than our guide to the squad at Ancelotti’s disposal and the possible new arrivals that may be brought in before the summer window closes.
There has been little in the way of transfer movement at the Bernabéu this summer. David Alaba is the only new face available for Ancelotti, who has of course lost former captain Sergio Ramos to PSG and hi erstwhile defensive partner Raphaël Varane to Manchester United.
Alaba is likely to come straight in to the back line alongside Éder Militão in a new-look defence that Alavés will be keen to put to the test.
Benzema’s looking sharp at the Mendizorroza. The Real Madrid number nine has got his shooting boots on ahead of the new season and looks raring to go.
GOOOOAL 1-0 pic.twitter.com/xwEygXWypJ
— ffrafa381 (@ffrafa381) August 14, 2021