Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Basque Country as Alaves welcome Real Madrid to Estadio de Mandizorrotza. A solid start to the campaign has left Alaves in 13th position in the table, while unbeaten Real Madrid took top spot last weekend courtesy of a 2-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao. Let's hope for an open and entertaining game of football this afternoon!

This afternoon's match will be the first time that these two teams have clashed since the 2005-06 La Liga season. Real Madrid ran out 3-0 winners on both occasions during that campaign and the Madrid giants have actually been victorious in seven of the last eight meetings between the two sides. Los Blancos, however, did famously lose 1-0 at home to Alaves in May 2000.

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from the Basque Country. Alaves have had a free week to prepare for this match, but Real Madrid were in Copa del Rey action against Cultural Leonesa on Wednesday night. I can indeed confirm that there have been wholesale changes from that clash with the Segunda B outfit, which Real Madrid won 7-1.

Alaves boss Mauricio Pellegrino has rung the changes from his team's 3-0 defeat at Real Sociedad last weekend, with Theo Hernandez, Kiko Femenia, Alexis and Manu Garcia among those coming into the XI. Marcos Llorente, however, is ineligible to face his parent club due to a clause in his contract. Brazilian forward Deyverson will once again lead the line in a 4-5-1 formation for the home side.

As for Real Madrid, all of the big guns are back for the league leaders. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale start as the front three, while Isco, Pepe, Marcelo and Raphael Varane are also among those that return. Zinedine Zidane still has injury problems, however, with Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric out of action. Dani Carvajal misses out through suspension.

So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild afternoon in Alava. I shall speak about the home side and their start to the season a little bit later, but let's start with Real Madrid, who are still unbeaten in all competitions this term. Indeed, a 2-1 victory at home to Athletic Bilbao last weekend took Los Blancos to the top of the table on 21 points – jumping above Sevilla, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Villarreal in the process.

It seems incredible to say, but there was a bit of pressure on Real Madrid boss Zidane when his team drew three straight league games between September 21 and October 2. Indeed, they were held at home by Villarreal and Eibar, in addition to playing out a 2-2 draw with Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Those three draws actually followed four straight league wins at the start of the season.

Los Blancos have responded in impressive fashion – winning 6-1 away to Real Betis after the international break on October 15, before beating Bilbao 2-1 last weekend to rise to the top of the division. It is very tight at the summit though, with just three points separating Real Madrid from fifth-place Villarreal. It is shaping up to be a very, very exciting battle for the championship this season.

As mentioned, Real Madrid were in Copa del Rey action on Wednesday night and a much-changed XI recorded a 7-1 win away to Cultural Leonesa in the first leg of their last-32 clash. Marco Asensio and Alvaro Morata both registered braces for Los Blancos, while Nacho and Mariano Diaz were also on the scoresheet. Only Pepe, Danilo, Kroos and Isco remain from the XI that started that match.

Real Madrid have actually not lost a competitive match since April 6, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Wolfsburg in the Champions League. Since then, they are 26 games unbeaten in all competitions, which is some run of form. They have already had a little blip in the league, but still sit top of the pile. Indeed, victory here would ensure that they remain at the summit entering next week's fixtures.

In terms of what is ahead for the Spanish giants, they will travel to Legia Warsaw in the group stage of the Champions League on Wednesday, before welcoming Leganes to the Bernabeu in the league next weekend. Then comes the international break, before the small matter of a trip to Atletico Madrid on November 19. It will be interesting to see how the league table is shaping up towards the end of next month!

As for Alaves, their main focus this season is simply remaining avoiding relegation. Mauricio Pellegrino's side are competing in a La Liga season for the first time since the 2005-06 campaign, when they were relegated in 18th position. They have since spent time in the Segunda B – the third tier of Spanish football – but won the Segunda last season to earn a place in the top flight once again.

Alaves actually finished sixth in the 1999-2000 La Liga season, while they managed seventh as recent as 2001-02. There is no question that they have history in this league and they certainly look capable of competing at this level of football this term. Indeed, a solid campaign to date has brought them 10 points and left them in 13th position in the table. A win here would actually take them eighth!

The Basque outfit opened their La Liga campaign with a very impressive 1-1 draw away to Atletico Madrid, before securing their second point at home to Sporting Gijon one week later. Then came perhaps the outstanding result of the season as they won 2-1 at Barcelona in a quite incredible performance. Their unbeaten start was to continue as they drew 0-0 with Deportivo La Coruna on September 19. Four games – one win and three draws for the Segunda Division champions.

Alaves' first league defeat of the season came away at Valencia on September 22 and despite responding with a 3-1 home win over Granada, they have had a difficult last few weeks. Indeed, Pellegrino's team are now winless in three matches and will enter this clash off the back of a 3-0 defeat at Real Sociedad last weekend. It is not much of a surprise to see some changes from that match.

Alaves actually only lost twice at home in the league last season and have indeed started this term unbeaten in four home league matches. Three of those have been draws, but that is a result that they would take this afternoon! Real Madrid, on the other hand, are unbeaten on the road in La Liga since suffering a 1-0 defeat at Villarreal last December. Right, kickoff is now just around the corner here!

KICKOFF! Real Madrid kick things off this afternoon...

... as expected, Real Madrid have taken control of the possession in the early stages of this match, with Isco and Kroos already seeing plenty of the ball. You just get the feeling that the home side need to get through the opening 10, 15 minutes without conceding if they are to stand a chance here.

Roos delivered a dangerous free kick into the Alaves box and Pepe makes contact, but the offside flag is raised and Alaves escape what was a dangerous moment. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this afternoon. The supporters have turned out in their numbers.

Pass, pass, pass from Real Madrid as they seek space in the final third of the field. We have not seen too much from Ronaldo in the opening six minutes, but Bale has already had the chance to run at Kiko on a couple of occasions. Alaves, meanwhile, are breaking when they have the chance.

Oh my word! Alaves make the breakthrough in the seventh minute of this match as Camarasa delivers a super cross into the Real Madrid box and Navas can only palm into the path of Deyverson, who finds the back of the net! This place has just absolutely erupted with that strike!

Real Madrid have shot themselves in the foot on a number of occasions this season and a poor piece of goalkeeping from Navas has cost them the opening goal in this match. That said, it is still the very early exchanges here and Los Blancos are capable of turning this around, that is for sure.

Bale seemingly has a super chance to fire Real Madrid level after breaking into the Alaves box, but the Welshman was in an offside position and actually sent the ball wide of the post. Alaves are not prepared to sit deep in this game as they continue to commit four, five players to each attack!

Real Madrid have a free kick in a dangerous position as Feddal brings Ronaldo to the deck...

... Bale's effort is straight into the wall!

Real Madrid have a penalty as the referee spots a handball in the wall!

Real Madrid level the scores as Ronaldo sends Pacheco the wrong way from the penalty spot. He really, really needed that. Just Ronaldo's third league goal of the 2016-17 campaign!

Real Madrid are very much in control of the possession at the moment as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. It has been a very open 21 minutes of football and that will suit Real Madrid as the play develops. I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals in this match.

Theo Hernandez goes down inside the Real Madrid box under a challenge from Danilo, but the referee is not interested. There is no question that I have seen them given! Very close call there.

REAL MADRID SUB! Real Madrid are forced into an early change here as Nacho replaces Pepe, who limps off the field. Another defensive problem for Zinedine Zidane now!

Alaves continue to put pressure on the Real Madrid defence with a series of high balls into the away side's box and there is no question that it is causing problems. Los Blancos are very dangerous on the counter, however, and another cross from Ronaldo has to be cleared by Kiko at the near post.

It has been a busy spell for the referee in the last couple of minutes due to a number of late challenges, but still just the one yellow card in this match and that was following the handball from Deyverson. Marcelo delivers another cross towards Ronaldo, but Manu Garcia clears his lines.

Again it is good work from Theo Hernandez as the on-loan Atletico Madrid defender races away down the left and Danilo has to come across to make the clearance. Theo has been brilliant at Alaves this season and the teenager is causing plenty of problems in wide positions at the moment.

Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Alaves continue to match Real Madrid this afternoon. The visitors just do not look comfortable when high balls come into their box.

Oh my word what a goal! Special effort from Ronaldo as the Portuguese collects a smart pass from Benzema before absolutely arrowing one into the far corner of the net. He is back then!

Replays have shown that Ronaldo's strike actually deflected off Feddal before finding the back of the net and the movement in the ball is what beat Pacheco. Hard piece of luck for the home side.

The home supporters continue to back their team, but Real Madrid are purring at the moment as they search for a third goal in the latter stages of the first period. It seems a long time ago that Deyverson sent Alaves into the lead following a mistake from Real Madrid goalkeeper Alaves.

BOOKING! Torres (Alaves) is booked for palming Isco in the face.

As it stands, Real Madrid will move three points clear at the top of La Liga. However, I would be surprised if we had seen the last of the scoring here. Alaves are still dangerous in the final third.

All Real Madrid at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Ronaldo seems to have his confidence back as he dips and turns each time he has possession. The home supporters continue to drive their team forward as we approach the half-time interval.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Real Madrid leading Alaves 2-1 in the Basque Country. The hosts actually took the lead in the seventh minute through Deyverson, but a double from Ronaldo, one of which came from the penalty spot, has turned the game around.

STATISTICS! Real Madrid have shaded the possession with 59%, but they actually only managed two shots on target and both of those brought goals. Alaves, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their five attempts in the first period. Two bookings to report - Deyverson and Torres for the home side.

BENCH WATCH! Real Madrid have already been forced into a change this afternoon - Nacho taking the place of Pepe, who limped off the field. The likes of Asensio, Lucas, Morata and James, however, remain in reserve for the visitors. Alaves, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Santos, Espinoza and Katai. In truth, it would be a surprise if either manager made a change at this stage of the contest.

Ronaldo has answered some of his critics with a couple of goals this afternoon...

KICKOFF! Alaves resume the action on home soil...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. You just get the feeling that Alaves need to score the next goal here if they are to stand a chance of securing a positive result. It must be said that the home supporters have been brilliant for their team here.

SAVE! Stunning chance for the home side as Camarasa dances into the Real Madrid box before attempting to slide the ball under Navas, but the stopper makes a wonderful save!

Alaves have put so much into this match that you worry that they will fade as the second period develops. Real Madrid, on the other hand, have almost played within themselves and should have a lot left in the tank. Los Blancos are always a threat on the counter-attack when they break forward.

Just a reminder that the champions Barcelona host Granada tonight and I shall also be covering that game so be sure to join me at 6.45pm (UK time) for build-up. Barcelona will be hoping that Alaves can pull something out the bag in the second period. Still plenty of football to play here.

Pass, pass, pass from Real Madrid as they continue to work space in the final third of the field. Alaves though are very compact and have restricted the visitors to very few clear chances here.

Deyverson strikes one from distance, but it is a comfortable save for Navas.

Half-chance for the away side this time as Kovacic picks out Ronaldo on the edge of the Alaves box, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Still more than 30 minutes of football to play here.

We have not seen too much from Bale in this second period, but the Welshman has started to get on the ball in wide positions, which is drawing Alaves's defence into a wider position. We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering alterations here.

BOOKING! Bale (Real Madrid) is booked for a rash challenge on Kiko.

Alaves are preparing to make their first change of the match here.

ALAVES SUB! Krsticic replaces Manu Garcia for the home side.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Alaves are seeing more of the ball as Real Madrid drop into a defensive position. You still get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. At the moment, Ronaldo's brace is good enough for Real Madrid to win.

REAL MADRID SUB! Morata replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.

Little over 20 minutes of football remaining and Real Madrid still lead 2-1 courtesy of a double from Ronaldo. Alaves are a little cautious at the moment, but they now have some fresh legs in the final third.

Ronaldo goes for the spectacular after meeting a deep cross at the far post, but his effort was always flying over the crossbar. The visitors will get chances as the game opens up, especially with Alaves needing to start thinking about pressing players forward. It has been a very tight game.

Stoppage in play at the moment as Navas receives some treatment following a knee to the head.

Not too much to report in terms of chances at the moment as both teams continue to struggle in the final third of the field. Little under 15 minutes of football remaining in the Basque Country here.

Possession for Real Madrid as they pass and probe in the final third, but they are not really testing the Alaves defence as Torres drops deep to clear another swinging cross from Bale.

Real Madrid are awarded another penalty as Ronaldo is pulled to the ground inside the box.

SAVE! Pacheco is across to make a wonderful save! Wow!

BOOKING! Kiko (Alaves) is booked for dissent.

Real Madrid continue to search for their third of the match and Alaves seem to be tiring for the first time this afternoon. We are inside the final 10 minutes of what has been a very good game.

ALAVES SUB! Santos replaces Torres for the home side.

Game, set and match as Morata races clear before chipping the ball over Pacheco. Not sure where the goalkeeper was going, but Real Madrid are now sure of all the points this afternoon.

BOOKING! Krsticic (Alaves) is booked for a foul on Ronaldo.

REAL MADRID SUB! Vasquez replaces Bale for the away side.

Ronaldo has his third of the afternoon as the Portugal captain combines with Marcelo before finding the back of the net from close range. Alaves have fallen apart in the last few minutes here.

We are into the second of three additional minutes this afternoon.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid running out 4-1 winners over Alaves, which has seen Los Blancos move three points clear at the top of La Liga. That is just about it from me here, but be sure to check back in for Barcelona versus Granada tonight!