By rikififi90 
A fiery encounter lit up the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Real Madrid clinched a 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alavés in the 31st round of La Liga. Played at 4:15 p.m. local time, the match was defined by intensity, tough tackles, and two red cards, including one for Kylian Mbappé, who was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco’s calf. Federico Valverde’s lone goal in the first half secured three vital points for the visitors, keeping them in the hunt for the league lead. Despite the win, Real Madrid struggled after Mbappé’s exit, while Alavés, though creating clear chances, failed to find the net. The game underscored the heated rivalry between the clubs, with Real Madrid extending their recent dominance over their hosts.
Real Madrid entered the match on the heels of a shock loss to Valencia, piling pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti. Alavés, buoyed by a narrow win over Girona, leaned on their home crowd to pull off an upset. The starting lineup saw Lucas Vázquez slotting in at right-back and Fran García on the left, while Alavés relied on Kike García up top. From the opening whistle, physical battles and referee interventions set a tense tone, with Martinez Munuera tasked with keeping control.
The first half saw Real Madrid dictate possession, though Alavés held firm defensively. Valverde’s goal at the 25-minute mark came from a slick move, with Jude Bellingham feeding the Uruguayan for a pinpoint shot from the edge of the box. The lead, however, didn’t bring calm. The second half descended into chaos, with Mbappé’s red card at the 37-minute mark and Alavés’ Manu Sánchez following suit shortly after, sent off for a harsh foul on Vinicius Jr.
- Venue: Mendizorroza Stadium, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- Time: 4:15 p.m. (local).
- Referee: Martinez Munuera, assisted by VAR.
Mbappé’s red card shifts the tide
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s star forward, endured a night to forget. At the 37th minute of the second half, he lunged into Antonio Blanco’s calf, sparking outrage among Alavés players. After a VAR review, the referee brandished a straight red card, leaving Real Madrid a man down. The ejection forced a tactical rethink, with the team shifting to a defensive stance to protect their slim lead, altering the game’s flow significantly.
Mbappé’s absence, with his 22 goals this season, left a void. Vinicius Jr., brought on in the second half, took up the attacking mantle but earned a yellow card for a foul on Aleñá. The incident with Mbappé inflamed tensions, and the match grew scrappier, culminating in Manu Sánchez’s red card for Alavés at the 24-minute mark of the second half. The back-to-back dismissals leveled the playing field numerically but disrupted both teams’ rhythm.
Alavés briefly held a numerical edge but couldn’t capitalize. Opportunities from Carlos Martín and Kike García were thwarted by Thibaut Courtois, who, despite a yellow for time-wasting, stood tall in goal. The match exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerability under pressure, yet their resilience ensured they held on for the win in a hostile environment.
🏁 @Alaves 0-1 @RealMadrid
⚽ 34′ @Camavinga
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/0fXm3Ip9TQ— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 13, 2025
Valverde’s strike proves decisive
Federico Valverde emerged as the match-winner. The Uruguayan midfielder, known for his all-around game, scored the game’s only goal with a clinical strike from outside the box at the 25th minute. The move began with a neat exchange between Bellingham and Brahim Díaz, who carved open space for Valverde to fire past goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The goal, his third of the campaign, highlighted his growing importance under Ancelotti.
Valverde’s influence extended beyond scoring. He covered ground tirelessly, aiding in defense and sparking transitions. His presence was crucial after Mbappé’s exit, as Real Madrid leaned on his composure to maintain control. Subbed off late for Dani Ceballos, he left to applause from the traveling fans, who valued his effort in a bruising contest.
Valverde’s heroics masked broader issues for Real Madrid. Despite their star-studded squad, clear chances were scarce, especially in the second half. The reliance on individual brilliance, like Valverde’s strike, points to a need for sharper teamwork, a challenge Ancelotti must address as the season progresses.
- Real Madrid stats:
- Possession: 58%.
- Shots: 12, with 4 on target.
- Cards: 4 yellows, 1 red.
Alavés fights but falls short
Deportivo Alavés came close to snatching a point against a giant but left empty-handed. Coached by Luis García Plaza, the home side showed defensive grit early, stifling Mbappé and Bellingham. Kike García led the attack, backed by Carlos Vicente and Joan Jordán, who aimed to exploit counterattacks. Despite the loss, Alavés created enough chances to feel hard done by the scoreline.
The second half saw Alavés gain momentum with substitutes Carlos Martín and Guevara adding energy. A header from Antonio Martínez at the 18th minute forced a sharp save from Courtois, while Blanco’s long-range effort sailed into the keeper’s hands. Manu Sánchez’s red card, however, sapped their momentum, leaving them unable to sustain pressure with ten men.
The home crowd, packing Mendizorroza, roared their team on but left disappointed. Sitting 13th with 33 goals scored in 30 games, Alavés hover five points above the relegation zone. The defeat keeps them in a precarious fight to stay clear of danger, with tough fixtures looming.
A lopsided rivalry
The history between Real Madrid and Alavés is heavily tilted. In their last 25 La Liga meetings, Real Madrid have won 21 times, with Alavés managing just three victories. Their most recent clash, in September last year, ended 3-2 for Real Madrid, with goals from Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo, and Mbappé. Beating Real Madrid at home remains a rare feat for Alavés, with only two wins in their last 11 encounters.
Sunday’s game followed the pattern. Even with Mbappé’s red card, Real Madrid held firm, while Alavés couldn’t replicate their upset wins of 2018 and 2020 at Mendizorroza. Real Madrid’s attack, with 443 shots in 30 rounds, ranks second in the league, dwarfing Alavés’ 270, the 16th-best. The gap in quality was evident, though Alavés’ fight kept the scoreline tight.
For Real Madrid, the win preserves their edge, but it’s a wake-up call. Second-placed with a +32 goal difference, they can’t afford off-days in a tight title race. Alavés, meanwhile, remain focused on survival, searching for consistency to climb clear of the bottom tier.
Red cards reshape the battle
The second half hinged on two game-changing moments. Mbappé’s red card at the 37th minute, after a VAR-reviewed tackle on Blanco, stunned Real Madrid. The French star, already under scrutiny for uneven form, exited to boos from the home fans, sparking a heated exchange involving Lucas Vázquez and Blanco. The call intensified the match’s physicality, with tempers flaring.
Soon after, at the 24th minute, Alavés’ Manu Sánchez was sent off for a reckless challenge on Vinicius Jr., also confirmed by VAR. The dual expulsions balanced the numbers but hurt Alavés’ attacking push. The game’s disciplinary toll—seven yellows and two reds—reflected its ferocity, with both sides stretching the referee’s patience.
Martinez Munuera’s handling drew criticism. Real Madrid questioned VAR delays, while Alavés felt hard done by overlooked fouls. Still, Real Madrid’s backline, led by Antonio Rüdiger’s commanding presence against Kike García, stood firm, securing a hard-fought victory in a match that tested their resolve.
- Players cautioned:
- Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr., Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Camavinga, Mbappé (red).
- Alavés: Tenaglia, Manu Sánchez (red).
- Substitutions: Bellingham, Rodrygo, Valverde (Real Madrid); Guevara, Carlos Martín, Diarra (Alavés).
Ancelotti under the spotlight
Carlo Ancelotti faces mounting scrutiny at Real Madrid. The Valencia loss and a shaky showing against Alavés have fueled doubts about his ability to harness the squad’s potential. Missing key players like Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy, Ancelotti improvised with Vázquez at right-back, a move that worked only in patches. The win buys time, but the performance fell short of expectations.
Ancelotti’s decision to start Brahim Díaz aimed to spark creativity, but the team lacked cohesion. Mbappé’s red card forced a defensive reshuffle, with Fran García’s introduction shoring up the flanks. While the board backs Ancelotti, fans demand more fluid displays, especially with Barcelona pulling ahead in the race for the title.
Trust in Valverde and Bellingham remains Ancelotti’s lifeline. Bellingham’s role in the goal and Vinicius Jr.’s threat, despite his booking, offered glimpses of promise. With Champions League fixtures approaching, Ancelotti’s ability to juggle competitions will be critical to silencing critics and sustaining Real Madrid’s ambitions.
Courtois anchors the defense
Thibaut Courtois, despite a yellow for delaying play, was a rock for Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper made at least three crucial saves, including a diving stop on Antonio Martínez’s header and a routine grab of Blanco’s shot. With 31 goals conceded in 30 rounds, Real Madrid boast the league’s fifth-best defense, a testament to Courtois’ return from injury-plagued seasons.
Alavés’ attack, led by Jesús Owono in place of the suspended Antonio Sivera, held up well but couldn’t stop Valverde’s strike. Alavés’ lack of precision—four shots on target from 11 attempts—eased Courtois’ workload, but his composure was vital in the closing stages. He emerged as a standout, underscoring his value to a team under strain.
The match highlighted the squad disparity. Real Madrid’s depth, with Courtois, Rüdiger, and Bellingham, outshone Alavés’ grit, driven by Kike García and Carlos Vicente. The win showed Real Madrid’s knack for grinding out results, but Alavés’ resilience at home kept the contest closer than expected.
The atmosphere at Mendizorroza
Mendizorroza buzzed with nearly 19,000 fans, galvanizing Alavés against a global powerhouse. Vitoria-Gasteiz came alive, with flags and chants filling the air hours before kickoff. The home supporters jeered Mbappé’s red card and cheered their team’s effort, particularly in the second half’s spirited push, though the loss stung.
Real Madrid’s smaller contingent waved banners for Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham, celebrating the win with restraint, aware of the team’s uneven display. Mbappé’s dismissal sparked heated debates in the stands, with some fans slamming his recklessness and others questioning the referee’s call. The match’s intensity mirrored its stakes for both sides.
For Alavés, a point against Real Madrid would have boosted their relegation fight. For Real Madrid, the victory keeps them chasing Barcelona, who lead by seven points after 30 rounds. The rivalry, though one-sided, remains fierce, with Alavés vowing to challenge again in future meetings.
What’s next in La Liga
Real Madrid face Atlético de Madrid in a crucial derby at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, a chance to close the gap on Barcelona, who play Betis the same day. Alavés travel to Villarreal, seeking points to bolster their mid-table hopes in another tough test.
- Upcoming matches:
- Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid, April 16, 8:30 p.m.
- Villarreal vs. Alavés, April 17, 7:00 p.m.
- Barcelona vs. Betis, April 16, 9:00 p.m.
The coming fixtures will challenge both teams. Real Madrid, juggling Champions League duties, must cope without Mbappé, who faces a potential three-game ban. Alavés hope to welcome back suspended players like Antonio Sivera and Jon Guridi, aiming to stabilize their campaign.
Bellingham’s midfield mastery
Jude Bellingham, though goalless, was pivotal for Real Madrid. With six assists this season, he set up Valverde’s winner with a clever pass that sliced through Alavés’ defense. His ability to control tempo and press relentlessly shone, especially post-Mbappé’s red card, when midfield stability was paramount.
Replaced by Arda Güler in the second half, Bellingham showed signs of fatigue but earned his keep. Alongside Valverde and Camavinga, he fills the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement and Luka Modric’s limited minutes. His leadership at just 21 cements him as Real Madrid’s engine, driving their title chase.
Alavés struggled to contain Bellingham. Joan Jordán and Blanco had moments of success, but the Englishman’s quality prevailed. The midfield battle, won by Real Madrid’s trio, tipped the scales, highlighting the gulf between the teams’ resources.
Alavés’ season struggles
The loss leaves Alavés 13th with 33 points, five clear of the drop zone. Their inconsistent run—nine wins in 31 rounds—reflects a squad stretched thin but scrappy. Kike García, with 11 goals, leads the line, backed by Carlos Vicente’s four goals and three assists. A meager nine shots per game underscore their offensive woes.
Coach Luis García Plaza retains backing but faces calls to sharpen home form. The Girona win offered hope, but falling to Real Madrid exposed their limits against top sides. Manu Sánchez’s suspension and potential injuries complicate preparations for Villarreal, where Alavés must dig deep.
Fans remain optimistic about survival. Young talents like Carlos Martín and veterans like Blanco provide balance, but consistency is key to avoiding a late-season scramble. The Villarreal clash offers a chance to rebound, though it demands a near-perfect performance.
Real Madrid’s victory in context
The hard-earned win keeps Real Madrid second with 63 points and a +32 goal difference, trailing Barcelona. The result steadies a rocky patch, with the Valencia defeat still fresh. Injuries to Militão, Carvajal, and Mendy strain the squad, exposing cracks that Ancelotti must patch to maintain a title push.
Vinicius Jr., a second-half substitute, stretched Alavés but failed to score, a recurring issue away from home. Mbappé’s ban and Camavinga’s Champions League suspension add headaches, forcing Ancelotti to lean on depth. The Barcelona gap, with the leaders holding a game in hand, keeps Real Madrid in catch-up mode.
Social media buzzed post-match, with Valverde earning praise and Mbappé drawing ire. Fans crave sharper displays, but the win proves Real Madrid’s grit, even on off-days. Alavés’ defiance, meanwhile, signals their resolve to fight another day in La Liga’s unforgiving race.
- Match numbers:
- Real Madrid: 58% possession, 12 shots, 4 on target.
- Alavés: 42% possession, 11 shots, 4 on target.
- Fouls: 16 (Real Madrid) vs. 14 (Alavés).
A fiery encounter lit up the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, where Real Madrid clinched a 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alavés in the 31st round of La Liga. Played at 4:15 p.m. local time, the match was defined by intensity, tough tackles, and two red cards, including one for Kylian Mbappé, who was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco’s calf. Federico Valverde’s lone goal in the first half secured three vital points for the visitors, keeping them in the hunt for the league lead. Despite the win, Real Madrid struggled after Mbappé’s exit, while Alavés, though creating clear chances, failed to find the net. The game underscored the heated rivalry between the clubs, with Real Madrid extending their recent dominance over their hosts.
Real Madrid entered the match on the heels of a shock loss to Valencia, piling pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti. Alavés, buoyed by a narrow win over Girona, leaned on their home crowd to pull off an upset. The starting lineup saw Lucas Vázquez slotting in at right-back and Fran García on the left, while Alavés relied on Kike García up top. From the opening whistle, physical battles and referee interventions set a tense tone, with Martinez Munuera tasked with keeping control.
The first half saw Real Madrid dictate possession, though Alavés held firm defensively. Valverde’s goal at the 25-minute mark came from a slick move, with Jude Bellingham feeding the Uruguayan for a pinpoint shot from the edge of the box. The lead, however, didn’t bring calm. The second half descended into chaos, with Mbappé’s red card at the 37-minute mark and Alavés’ Manu Sánchez following suit shortly after, sent off for a harsh foul on Vinicius Jr.
- Venue: Mendizorroza Stadium, Vitoria-Gasteiz.
- Time: 4:15 p.m. (local).
- Referee: Martinez Munuera, assisted by VAR.
Mbappé’s red card shifts the tide
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s star forward, endured a night to forget. At the 37th minute of the second half, he lunged into Antonio Blanco’s calf, sparking outrage among Alavés players. After a VAR review, the referee brandished a straight red card, leaving Real Madrid a man down. The ejection forced a tactical rethink, with the team shifting to a defensive stance to protect their slim lead, altering the game’s flow significantly.
Mbappé’s absence, with his 22 goals this season, left a void. Vinicius Jr., brought on in the second half, took up the attacking mantle but earned a yellow card for a foul on Aleñá. The incident with Mbappé inflamed tensions, and the match grew scrappier, culminating in Manu Sánchez’s red card for Alavés at the 24-minute mark of the second half. The back-to-back dismissals leveled the playing field numerically but disrupted both teams’ rhythm.
Alavés briefly held a numerical edge but couldn’t capitalize. Opportunities from Carlos Martín and Kike García were thwarted by Thibaut Courtois, who, despite a yellow for time-wasting, stood tall in goal. The match exposed Real Madrid’s vulnerability under pressure, yet their resilience ensured they held on for the win in a hostile environment.
🏁 @Alaves 0-1 @RealMadrid
⚽ 34′ @Camavinga
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/0fXm3Ip9TQ— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 13, 2025
Valverde’s strike proves decisive
Federico Valverde emerged as the match-winner. The Uruguayan midfielder, known for his all-around game, scored the game’s only goal with a clinical strike from outside the box at the 25th minute. The move began with a neat exchange between Bellingham and Brahim Díaz, who carved open space for Valverde to fire past goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The goal, his third of the campaign, highlighted his growing importance under Ancelotti.
Valverde’s influence extended beyond scoring. He covered ground tirelessly, aiding in defense and sparking transitions. His presence was crucial after Mbappé’s exit, as Real Madrid leaned on his composure to maintain control. Subbed off late for Dani Ceballos, he left to applause from the traveling fans, who valued his effort in a bruising contest.
Valverde’s heroics masked broader issues for Real Madrid. Despite their star-studded squad, clear chances were scarce, especially in the second half. The reliance on individual brilliance, like Valverde’s strike, points to a need for sharper teamwork, a challenge Ancelotti must address as the season progresses.
- Real Madrid stats:
- Possession: 58%.
- Shots: 12, with 4 on target.
- Cards: 4 yellows, 1 red.
Alavés fights but falls short
Deportivo Alavés came close to snatching a point against a giant but left empty-handed. Coached by Luis García Plaza, the home side showed defensive grit early, stifling Mbappé and Bellingham. Kike García led the attack, backed by Carlos Vicente and Joan Jordán, who aimed to exploit counterattacks. Despite the loss, Alavés created enough chances to feel hard done by the scoreline.
The second half saw Alavés gain momentum with substitutes Carlos Martín and Guevara adding energy. A header from Antonio Martínez at the 18th minute forced a sharp save from Courtois, while Blanco’s long-range effort sailed into the keeper’s hands. Manu Sánchez’s red card, however, sapped their momentum, leaving them unable to sustain pressure with ten men.
The home crowd, packing Mendizorroza, roared their team on but left disappointed. Sitting 13th with 33 goals scored in 30 games, Alavés hover five points above the relegation zone. The defeat keeps them in a precarious fight to stay clear of danger, with tough fixtures looming.
A lopsided rivalry
The history between Real Madrid and Alavés is heavily tilted. In their last 25 La Liga meetings, Real Madrid have won 21 times, with Alavés managing just three victories. Their most recent clash, in September last year, ended 3-2 for Real Madrid, with goals from Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo, and Mbappé. Beating Real Madrid at home remains a rare feat for Alavés, with only two wins in their last 11 encounters.
Sunday’s game followed the pattern. Even with Mbappé’s red card, Real Madrid held firm, while Alavés couldn’t replicate their upset wins of 2018 and 2020 at Mendizorroza. Real Madrid’s attack, with 443 shots in 30 rounds, ranks second in the league, dwarfing Alavés’ 270, the 16th-best. The gap in quality was evident, though Alavés’ fight kept the scoreline tight.
For Real Madrid, the win preserves their edge, but it’s a wake-up call. Second-placed with a +32 goal difference, they can’t afford off-days in a tight title race. Alavés, meanwhile, remain focused on survival, searching for consistency to climb clear of the bottom tier.
Red cards reshape the battle
The second half hinged on two game-changing moments. Mbappé’s red card at the 37th minute, after a VAR-reviewed tackle on Blanco, stunned Real Madrid. The French star, already under scrutiny for uneven form, exited to boos from the home fans, sparking a heated exchange involving Lucas Vázquez and Blanco. The call intensified the match’s physicality, with tempers flaring.
Soon after, at the 24th minute, Alavés’ Manu Sánchez was sent off for a reckless challenge on Vinicius Jr., also confirmed by VAR. The dual expulsions balanced the numbers but hurt Alavés’ attacking push. The game’s disciplinary toll—seven yellows and two reds—reflected its ferocity, with both sides stretching the referee’s patience.
Martinez Munuera’s handling drew criticism. Real Madrid questioned VAR delays, while Alavés felt hard done by overlooked fouls. Still, Real Madrid’s backline, led by Antonio Rüdiger’s commanding presence against Kike García, stood firm, securing a hard-fought victory in a match that tested their resolve.
- Players cautioned:
- Real Madrid: Vinicius Jr., Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Camavinga, Mbappé (red).
- Alavés: Tenaglia, Manu Sánchez (red).
- Substitutions: Bellingham, Rodrygo, Valverde (Real Madrid); Guevara, Carlos Martín, Diarra (Alavés).
Ancelotti under the spotlight
Carlo Ancelotti faces mounting scrutiny at Real Madrid. The Valencia loss and a shaky showing against Alavés have fueled doubts about his ability to harness the squad’s potential. Missing key players like Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and Ferland Mendy, Ancelotti improvised with Vázquez at right-back, a move that worked only in patches. The win buys time, but the performance fell short of expectations.
Ancelotti’s decision to start Brahim Díaz aimed to spark creativity, but the team lacked cohesion. Mbappé’s red card forced a defensive reshuffle, with Fran García’s introduction shoring up the flanks. While the board backs Ancelotti, fans demand more fluid displays, especially with Barcelona pulling ahead in the race for the title.
Trust in Valverde and Bellingham remains Ancelotti’s lifeline. Bellingham’s role in the goal and Vinicius Jr.’s threat, despite his booking, offered glimpses of promise. With Champions League fixtures approaching, Ancelotti’s ability to juggle competitions will be critical to silencing critics and sustaining Real Madrid’s ambitions.
Courtois anchors the defense
Thibaut Courtois, despite a yellow for delaying play, was a rock for Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper made at least three crucial saves, including a diving stop on Antonio Martínez’s header and a routine grab of Blanco’s shot. With 31 goals conceded in 30 rounds, Real Madrid boast the league’s fifth-best defense, a testament to Courtois’ return from injury-plagued seasons.
Alavés’ attack, led by Jesús Owono in place of the suspended Antonio Sivera, held up well but couldn’t stop Valverde’s strike. Alavés’ lack of precision—four shots on target from 11 attempts—eased Courtois’ workload, but his composure was vital in the closing stages. He emerged as a standout, underscoring his value to a team under strain.
The match highlighted the squad disparity. Real Madrid’s depth, with Courtois, Rüdiger, and Bellingham, outshone Alavés’ grit, driven by Kike García and Carlos Vicente. The win showed Real Madrid’s knack for grinding out results, but Alavés’ resilience at home kept the contest closer than expected.
The atmosphere at Mendizorroza
Mendizorroza buzzed with nearly 19,000 fans, galvanizing Alavés against a global powerhouse. Vitoria-Gasteiz came alive, with flags and chants filling the air hours before kickoff. The home supporters jeered Mbappé’s red card and cheered their team’s effort, particularly in the second half’s spirited push, though the loss stung.
Real Madrid’s smaller contingent waved banners for Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham, celebrating the win with restraint, aware of the team’s uneven display. Mbappé’s dismissal sparked heated debates in the stands, with some fans slamming his recklessness and others questioning the referee’s call. The match’s intensity mirrored its stakes for both sides.
For Alavés, a point against Real Madrid would have boosted their relegation fight. For Real Madrid, the victory keeps them chasing Barcelona, who lead by seven points after 30 rounds. The rivalry, though one-sided, remains fierce, with Alavés vowing to challenge again in future meetings.
What’s next in La Liga
Real Madrid face Atlético de Madrid in a crucial derby at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, a chance to close the gap on Barcelona, who play Betis the same day. Alavés travel to Villarreal, seeking points to bolster their mid-table hopes in another tough test.
- Upcoming matches:
- Real Madrid vs. Atlético de Madrid, April 16, 8:30 p.m.
- Villarreal vs. Alavés, April 17, 7:00 p.m.
- Barcelona vs. Betis, April 16, 9:00 p.m.
The coming fixtures will challenge both teams. Real Madrid, juggling Champions League duties, must cope without Mbappé, who faces a potential three-game ban. Alavés hope to welcome back suspended players like Antonio Sivera and Jon Guridi, aiming to stabilize their campaign.
Bellingham’s midfield mastery
Jude Bellingham, though goalless, was pivotal for Real Madrid. With six assists this season, he set up Valverde’s winner with a clever pass that sliced through Alavés’ defense. His ability to control tempo and press relentlessly shone, especially post-Mbappé’s red card, when midfield stability was paramount.
Replaced by Arda Güler in the second half, Bellingham showed signs of fatigue but earned his keep. Alongside Valverde and Camavinga, he fills the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement and Luka Modric’s limited minutes. His leadership at just 21 cements him as Real Madrid’s engine, driving their title chase.
Alavés struggled to contain Bellingham. Joan Jordán and Blanco had moments of success, but the Englishman’s quality prevailed. The midfield battle, won by Real Madrid’s trio, tipped the scales, highlighting the gulf between the teams’ resources.
Alavés’ season struggles
The loss leaves Alavés 13th with 33 points, five clear of the drop zone. Their inconsistent run—nine wins in 31 rounds—reflects a squad stretched thin but scrappy. Kike García, with 11 goals, leads the line, backed by Carlos Vicente’s four goals and three assists. A meager nine shots per game underscore their offensive woes.
Coach Luis García Plaza retains backing but faces calls to sharpen home form. The Girona win offered hope, but falling to Real Madrid exposed their limits against top sides. Manu Sánchez’s suspension and potential injuries complicate preparations for Villarreal, where Alavés must dig deep.
Fans remain optimistic about survival. Young talents like Carlos Martín and veterans like Blanco provide balance, but consistency is key to avoiding a late-season scramble. The Villarreal clash offers a chance to rebound, though it demands a near-perfect performance.
Real Madrid’s victory in context
The hard-earned win keeps Real Madrid second with 63 points and a +32 goal difference, trailing Barcelona. The result steadies a rocky patch, with the Valencia defeat still fresh. Injuries to Militão, Carvajal, and Mendy strain the squad, exposing cracks that Ancelotti must patch to maintain a title push.
Vinicius Jr., a second-half substitute, stretched Alavés but failed to score, a recurring issue away from home. Mbappé’s ban and Camavinga’s Champions League suspension add headaches, forcing Ancelotti to lean on depth. The Barcelona gap, with the leaders holding a game in hand, keeps Real Madrid in catch-up mode.
Social media buzzed post-match, with Valverde earning praise and Mbappé drawing ire. Fans crave sharper displays, but the win proves Real Madrid’s grit, even on off-days. Alavés’ defiance, meanwhile, signals their resolve to fight another day in La Liga’s unforgiving race.
- Match numbers:
- Real Madrid: 58% possession, 12 shots, 4 on target.
- Alavés: 42% possession, 11 shots, 4 on target.
- Fouls: 16 (Real Madrid) vs. 14 (Alavés).
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