Alonso Brothers To Face Off In Real Madrid v Tenerife

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is set for a midfield battle against his brother Mikel for the first time in their careers when Tenerife visit the Bernabeu for today's Primera Division tie.

Both Alonso's began their careers at Real Sociedad, with Xabi, the more promising talent, restricting his older brother to a supporting role at the Basque side.

Xabi joined Liverpool in 2004 and became a permanent fixture in Rafael Benitez's side and when Mikel signed for Bolton Wanderers, their first game on opposing sides looked likely but Mikel failed to feature for the Trotters against the Reds.

Spain international Xabi has just recovered from an Achilles injury picked up during a Champions League tie for Madrid so the two will square up against each other for the first time today.

The Alonso brothers' father Periko also played Primera Liga football for Real Sociedad and Barcelona and represented Spain 20 times.