Luxemburgo: Real Madrid season starts here

Real Madrid are eager to build on Thursday's 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao with a positive result today against Alaves.

"I say that the league is starting now, because we didn't get good results in our recent games," Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said.
 
"Now we are in a good position in the league table and I am confident that we can win the league, not just participate in it."

Madrid will be red hot favourites against an Alaves side who are struggling to adapt to life back in the Spanish top flight.

Coach Rafael Monfort paid the price for a poor pre-season campaign and was replaced as boss by Chuchi Cos.

Performances under Cos have shown a marked improvement but the results are still missing for a side currently languishing in 19th place.

Goalless draws with Barcelona and Malaga have provided Alaves with their two points to date but defeats against Real Sociedad and Getafe have seen them slip into the drop zone.

After conceding six goals in their opening four games, Cos is eager to strengthen at the back but is still unable to call on the services of defender Oscar Tellez.

Tellez has been put on a special training regime to help him lose weight and Cos refuses to select him until he sees positive results.

"You can't play football in the Primera Liga when you weigh 100 kilos," said club president Dimitri Piterman.