Real Madrid delivered when it mattered most, grinding out a vital La Liga victory at Alavés to steady a season that had begun to wobble alarmingly.
The pressure on Xabi Alonso was intense. Defeats to Celta Vigo and Manchester City had placed the 44-year-old firmly in the firing line, and a third straight loss on a tricky away night in Vitoria could have proved terminal. Instead, Real responded with grit, quality, and just enough star power to claw back momentum.
The win drags Los Blancos to within four points of league leaders Barcelona, rekindling hope in a title race that had recently tilted in Hansi Flick’s favour.
Only weeks earlier, Real had been five points clear after beating Barça in October’s El Clásico. But draws against Elche and Rayo Vallecano, coupled with inconsistent performances, had allowed their rivals to seize control at the summit.
Mbappé strikes again
When Real needed a moment of brilliance, Kylian Mbappé obliged. In the 24th minute, Jude Bellingham slid a perfectly weighted pass into the France captain’s path, and Mbappé did the rest; opening his body and rifling an unstoppable finish into the top corner.
It was his 17th league goal of the campaign and his 70th for Real Madrid since his blockbuster move in July 2024—numbers that underline his growing authority in white.
Alavés fight back
But Real’s relief was short-lived. Alavés, stubborn and fearless, struck back in the 68th minute through substitute Carlos Vicente. Barely a minute after stepping onto the pitch, Vicente latched onto Antonio Blanco’s lofted pass, brought it down with exquisite control, and fired past Thibaut Courtois to ignite the home crowd.
Suddenly, the spectre of another damaging result loomed.
Rodrygo to the rescue
This time, however, Real refused to fold. With 14 minutes remaining, Vinícius Júnior burst into life down the flank and slipped the ball into the box, where Rodrygo arrived at pace to dart between defenders and finish from close range.
It was the decisive blow—a goal forged from urgency, movement, and belief.
A crucial reprieve
The final whistle brought visible relief. For Alonso, this was more than three points—it was breathing space. The victory halts the slide, restores confidence, and keeps Real Madrid firmly within striking distance of Barcelona ahead of a crucial home clash with Sevilla on Saturday night (20:00 GMT).
For now, the crisis talk quietens. Real Madrid march on, and Xabi Alonso lives to fight another day.
