Real Madrid are heading into a decisive and intense end to 2025, with three matches in seven days that will test Xabi Alonso’s squad in both LaLiga and the Copa del Rey. RMxtra breaks down the schedule, the stakes and what Madridistas can expect as the team looks to close out the year on a high.
Real Madrid’s crucial end-of-year run-in
Real Madrid face two LaLiga fixtures and one Copa del Rey tie before the calendar flips to 2026. With the title race heating up and knockout football beginning, every minute matters for Xabi Alonso and his players.
The schedule is as follows:
- LaLiga Matchday 16: Alavés vs Real Madrid – Sunday, 14 December, 9:00 pm CET
- Copa del Rey Round of 32: Talavera vs Real Madrid – Wednesday, 17 December, 9:00 pm CET
- LaLiga Matchday 17: Real Madrid vs Sevilla – Saturday, 20 December, 9:00 pm CET
Three different opponents, three different types of challenges – but one clear objective: finish 2025 strong.
Alavés vs Real Madrid: Tricky away test to start the week
Madrid’s final sprint begins at Mendizorroza, a stadium known for its compact atmosphere and difficult conditions for visiting teams. On LaLiga matchday 16, Real Madrid travels to face Alavés in a game that could set the tone for the rest of the week.
Xabi Alonso will likely need to balance intensity with control, making sure the team stays solid defensively while still being dangerous in the final third. An away win would not only keep the team in the LaLiga title fight, but also inject confidence ahead of the midweek Cup tie.
Key focuses for this clash:
- Strong start to the three-game stretch
- Managing minutes for key players ahead of the Copa del Rey
- Avoiding unnecessary injuries or suspensions in a busy week
A professional, focused performance in Vitoria could be the perfect launchpad for the remaining fixtures.
Talavera vs Real Madrid: Historic Copa del Rey meeting
Just three days later, Real Madrid switch to Copa del Rey mode as they travel to El Prado to face Talavera in the Round of 32. It will be the first time in history that the two clubs meet in this competition, adding a special twist to the encounter.
Copa nights are always unpredictable, and Xabi Alonso will know that lower-division teams often raise their level when they host Real Madrid. Talavera will treat this as the game of their season, while Madrid must avoid any hint of complacency.
What to expect from this tie:
- Possible rotation from Xabi Alonso, with minutes for squad players and youngsters
- A passionate home crowd is pushing Talavera to cause an upset
- Real Madrid aiming to take control early and avoid a nervy finish
For RMxtra and Madridistas worldwide, this game will be a key moment to watch emerging talents and see how deep the squad really is as the knockout journey begins.
Real Madrid vs Sevilla: Final Bernabéu night of 2025
The year closes at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, 20 December, with a classic LaLiga fixture: Real Madrid vs Sevilla on matchday 17. It will be the last game of 2025 and the final chance to sign off the year in front of the home fans with a statement performance.
Sevilla are never an easy opponent. They often arrive with physical intensity and technical quality, making this a demanding test for Madrid after a packed week. The Bernabéu atmosphere, under the lights, will play a huge role as the fans push the team towards a winning finish to the year.
Why this match is so important:
- A win would keep or boost Real Madrid’s position in the LaLiga title race
- It’s the last chance in 2025 to impress at the Bernabéu
- Momentum from this match can carry into the new year and the January fixtures
After this game, the team will enjoy a brief Christmas break before returning to action on 4 January at home against Betis, opening 2026 with another difficult league test.
A defining week for Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid
Three games in seven days – Alavés, Talavera and Sevilla – will reveal a lot about Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid: their depth, their mentality and their ability to compete on multiple fronts at a crucial stage of the season.
For RMxtra, this stretch represents:
- Continuous coverage of LaLiga and Copa del Rey action
- Match previews, live updates, post-match analysis and player focus pieces
- A complete Real Madrid news hub as the club closes out the year
If Real Madrid can turn this demanding schedule into a series of strong results, they won’t just be ending 2025 well – they’ll be building powerful momentum for 2026.