Alloy solidification was investigated in situ and real time by using a unique experimental setup developed at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) combining both synchrotron X-ray radiography and topography. Although synchrotron X-ray radiography enables the investigation of the solid-liquid interface of metallic alloys, white-beam synchrotron X-ray topography enables the investigation of the formation of strains and defects formation in the growing solid microstructure. In this article, we present results obtained during directional solidification experiments performed with Al-3.5 wt pct Ni samples. First, the initial state after thermal stabilization is characterized. Next, the interface morphological instability and the transition to the columnar growth regime are thoroughly investigated. Topography observation shows that several parts of each dendrite become disoriented while the microstructure is developing. Disorientations are quantified and the aluminum yield stress at the melting point is estimated from the bending of secondary arms. Last, coupled growth of eutectic and dendrites settles with the formation of the eutectic phase. The eutectic grains grow strained and the dendrites concomitantly undergo additional stress.