Mbappe and Rodrygo Rescue Real Madrid in 2-1 Win at Alaves
Xabi Alonso’s position as Real Madrid manager appears secure for now after his team battled to a 2-1 victory at Deportivo Alaves. The win marked only their third in nine competitive games, while Alaves have now lost four of their last five LaLiga fixtures. Despite only two sides managing to claim victories at Estadio Mendizorrotza this season, Real Madrid struggled to find an early breakthrough. Kylian Mbappe came close on a couple of occasions in the opening eight minutes but couldn’t hit the target. It was third time lucky for the French forward midway through the first half. Jude Bellingham released him down the left flank, allowing Mbappe to cut inside and curl an unstoppable effort past Antonio Sivera. Los Blancos were denied a quick second goal shortly after when Bellingham’s controlled header from a corner was ruled out for handball. They continued to press, with Federico Valverde narrowly missing from distance before Sivera produced a remarkable double save to deny Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. However, failing to put the game beyond doubt came back to haunt them. Alaves struck out of nowhere when a long ball over the top found Carlos Vicente, who finished past Thibaut Courtois. Although initially flagged for offside, VAR confirmed Vicente had perfectly timed his run. Rodrygo’s free-kick flew over the bar, adding to Real’s early nerves, but he later made amends. Vinicius Junior’s pace on the left allowed him to beat his marker and deliver a low cross that Rodrygo converted to restore the lead. Vinicius also had a penalty appeal turned down, while Bellingham and Brahim Diaz came close to a third. Alaves were unable to create any late chances, leaving Real Madrid to secure a crucial win, extending their unbeaten away streak to six matches and handing the home side their eighth consecutive loss against Los Blancos.
