Real Madrid finally breathed a sigh of relief after a tense encounter against Deportivo Alavés ended in a 2-1 victory. For Xabi Alonso, whose position as head coach had been under scrutiny, the match carried far more than just three points—it was a lifeline. A draw or defeat would have thrown Alonso’s job into jeopardy, given the recent inconsistent performances of the reigning Spanish champions.
The match began with Real asserting dominance, but Alavés were no pushover. Kylian Mbappé, returning after a brief absence due to a knee injury sustained against Manchester City, was immediately influential. His early efforts saw one shot deflected and another narrowly over the crossbar, before he finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. A perfectly timed run and precise finish left the Alavés defence scrambling.
Madrid had their moments of vulnerability, particularly in the first half stoppage time, when Alavés came close to equalising. Thibaut Courtois, however, produced a stunning save to deny Pablo Ibáñez, showcasing why the Belgian remains one of Europe’s top goalkeepers.
After the interval, Alavés continued to press, and their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Carlos Vicente found the net, drawing the hosts level. The equaliser sparked anxiety across the Madrid bench, with Alonso visibly tense, aware that his future could hinge on the outcome.
Rodrygo emerged as the hero in the dying stages. Vinícius Júnior’s skillful approach from the left wing created the perfect opportunity, and Rodrygo converted with poise to reclaim the lead for Los Blancos. The match concluded with Real narrowly holding on, securing a vital win that keeps the team within striking distance of Barcelona at the top of the table.
