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15 Apr 2025, Tue

VAR cancels Asencio’s goal, keeping Alavés vs Real Madrid 0-0 in LaLiga

Asencio Var - Foto: Instagram


The LaLiga clash between Alavés and Real Madrid, part of the 31st round, delivered high tension from the opening whistle at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Kicking off at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, the match pitted a scrappy Alavés, desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, against a Real Madrid side reeling from recent setbacks. By the 28th minute of the first half, the score remained 0-0 after VAR overturned a goal by Asencio, scored from a Rodrygo corner. The call sparked protests and shifted momentum, with Alavés gaining confidence while Real Madrid pushed to break the deadlock. The home crowd roared with every defensive stand, sensing a chance to frustrate the giants.

Real Madrid took the field with an attacking setup under Carlo Ancelotti. Courtois anchored the goal, backed by Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and Fran García in defense. The midfield featured Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, and Camavinga, with Mbappé and Rodrygo leading the charge up top. Alavés, guided by Eduardo Coudet, countered with Owono in goal, a backline of Tenaglia, Abqar, Mouriño, and Manu Sánchez, and a midfield of Joan Jordán, Blanco, Carlos Vicente, and Aleñá. Carlos Martín and Kike García formed the attacking duo, tasked with catching Real off guard. Both teams showed grit, with Alavés pressing high and Real controlling possession.

The VAR decision at the 20-minute mark became a defining moment. After Rodrygo’s corner, Asencio headed the ball into the net, but Alavés players protested a foul by Rüdiger on goalkeeper Owono. The referee, following a VAR review, disallowed the goal, restoring the 0-0 scoreline. The call reinvigorated Alavés, who leaned into counterattacks, while Real Madrid regrouped to maintain their offensive pressure. The match remained wide open, with both sides creating chances.

Early exchanges show fight
Alavés started with purpose. In the opening moments, they held possession, probing Real Madrid’s defense with patient passing. Kike García, relentless in his pressing, stole the ball and set up Aleñá, whose shot was blocked by Rüdiger. The play, though not dangerous, signaled Alavés’ refusal to be overawed by their opponents.

Real Madrid answered with composure. By the fourth minute, Alavés’ high press disrupted their buildup, but Tchouaméni and Valverde’s crisp passing broke the lines. At eight minutes, Rüdiger lofted a long ball to Arda Güler in the box. Owono misjudged his positioning, allowing Güler to shoot, but Mouriño cleared the effort. The chance fired up Real’s traveling fans, who saw Güler as a creative spark.

As Alavés worked the flanks through Carlos Vicente and Tenaglia, Real Madrid owned the midfield. Camavinga’s tireless running won back balls, sparking quick transitions. Rodrygo, operating on the left, began to trouble Alavés’ defense, particularly Manu Sánchez, who struggled to contain him without help. The game stayed competitive, with both teams trading blows.

Pivotal moments shape the scoreline
The match grew intense with a series of critical plays. At 12 minutes, Carlos Vicente collected the ball on the right, juked past Fran García, and crossed, only for Real’s defense to clear. A minute later, Blanco intercepted Valverde and fed Kike García, who fired a weak shot straight at Courtois. The sequence showed Alavés’ determination to stay in the fight.

Rodrygo sparked danger at 16 minutes, driving down the left and attempting a cross, but Abqar blocked. The next minute, he pounced on a rebound from Tchouaméni’s shot, weaved past a defender, and unleashed a fierce strike. Owono, well-placed, parried it for a corner. The buildup led to Asencio’s disallowed goal at 18 minutes, which stirred controversy. After VAR’s intervention, the score reverted to 0-0, keeping the stakes high.

  • 2’ – Alavés presses: Kike García steals and finds Aleñá, but Rüdiger blocks the shot.
  • 8’ – Real’s opportunity: Güler shoots after Owono’s mistake, but Mouriño clears.
  • 13’ – Alavés counters: Blanco wins possession and sets up Kike García, who shoots tamely at Courtois.
  • 17’ – Rodrygo threatens: He dribbles and fires after a rebound, but Owono saves.
  • 20’ – VAR overturns goal: Asencio scores from Rodrygo’s corner, but it’s ruled out for a foul on Owono.

Alavés gains momentum post-VAR
The VAR call breathed new life into Alavés. Sitting 19th with 28 points, the team faces a tough season, but holding Real Madrid scoreless boosted morale. Kike García kept probing for openings, while Carlos Vicente’s pace tested Real’s left flank. The Mendizorrotza crowd, renowned for its fervor, rallied behind every tackle and clearance, sensing a chance to earn a vital point.

Real Madrid felt the sting of the disallowed goal. After the decision, they regained possession but struggled to carve out clear chances. Rodrygo remained their biggest threat, weaving through defenders, but Alavés’ backline, anchored by Abqar and Mouriño, stood firm. Mbappé, yet to make a significant impact, looked for gaps, forcing Alavés’ defenders to stay sharp.

Coudet, on the sidelines, urged his players to stay disciplined. The game plan focused on crowding the midfield and hitting Real on the break. Joan Jordán and Blanco’s work rate stifled Valverde and Camavinga’s advances. For Alavés, the scoreless draw, even if temporary, was a small victory in their fight against relegation.

Real Madrid’s high-stakes season
Despite their second-place standing with 63 points, Real Madrid navigates choppy waters. A seven-point gap to leaders Barcelona, who have 70, heaps pressure on Ancelotti’s squad. A 2-1 loss to Valencia in LaLiga exposed defensive cracks, while a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League raised doubts about their resilience. Facing Alavés offers a chance to steady the ship before a must-win European clash.

Injuries forced Ancelotti’s hand in the lineup. Without Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, Asencio paired with Rüdiger at center-back, flanked by Lucas Vázquez and Fran García. Güler’s inclusion in midfield aimed to add flair, while Mbappé and Rodrygo carried the attacking hopes. Fans expected a strong response to recent struggles, but the 0-0 scoreline underscored ongoing challenges.

Real Madrid’s history against Alavés tilts heavily in their favor. Last season, they won both matches: 1-0 away and 5-0 at home, with Vinicius Jr. netting twice in the rout. Yet, current inconsistencies demand focus, and the goalless draw so far highlights the need for sharper finishing.

Alavés’ survival scrap
Stuck in 19th, Alavés fights to stay in LaLiga. With just one win in their last ten games, a 1-0 upset over Girona last round offered a glimmer of hope. The gap to safety is tight, making every home point critical. Kike García and Carlos Vicente are central to their turnaround bid.

Coudet’s 4-4-2 setup emphasizes defensive grit. Joan Jordán and Blanco shield the backline, while Aleñá and Carlos Vicente provide width. Up front, young Carlos Martín pairs with Kike García, whose knack for clutch goals keeps defenses honest. Mendizorrotza’s electric atmosphere fuels Alavés, especially against a heavyweight like Real.

The home fans cling to dreams of an upset. Though Alavés has lost four of their last five against Real, with one draw, their defiance shines through. The VAR call against Asencio’s goal has galvanized the squad, who see the stalemate as a stepping stone to a rare result.

Numbers behind the battle
The matchup reveals stark contrasts. Real Madrid’s attack averages over two goals per game, among LaLiga’s best, while Alavés struggles, scoring under one per match. Defensively, both teams leak goals: Real has conceded in their last three games, and Alavés has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last ten.

  • Possession: Real averages 58% per game, against Alavés’ 42%.
  • Shots: Real fires off 15 shots per match, compared to Alavés’ 9.
  • Corners: Real earns 6 corners per game, versus Alavés’ 4.
  • Cards: Alavés averages 2.5 yellows per game, against Real’s 1.4.
  • Saves: Courtois makes 3 saves per match, while Owono faces about 5 shots on target.

Players stealing the spotlight
Rodrygo’s early influence underlines his importance to Real Madrid. With goals and assists this season, his flair and pace unsettle defenders. For Alavés, Kike García leads the line, ready to pounce on any defensive lapse. His experience could prove vital in tight moments.

The midfield duel between Camavinga and Joan Jordán captivates. Camavinga’s dynamism clashes with Jordán’s craft and composure. Güler, a starter for Real, aims to showcase his talent with incisive passes, while Aleñá, for Alavés, hunts for creative openings. Control of the center dictates the game’s flow.

Defensively, Asencio, thrust into Real’s lineup, must handle Carlos Martín’s speed. Alavés’ Abqar and Mouriño face the daunting task of containing Mbappé, a global superstar. Rüdiger’s know-how anchors Real, particularly after the VAR controversy over the goal.

What’s at stake in the standings
Holding Real Madrid to a draw would be a coup for Alavés. Their 19th-place position demands urgency, and a point at home could spark a climb out of the drop zone, depending on other results. The Mendizorrotza faithful fuel the team’s resolve to seize the moment.

For Real Madrid, dropping points is costly. Trailing Barcelona, they need wins to stay in the title hunt and build momentum for their Champions League rematch with Arsenal. The 0-0 scoreline frustrates Ancelotti, who knows consistency is key in a tight race.

Alavés’ tight 4-4-2 aims to choke Real’s passing lanes, while Real’s own 4-4-2 leans on wing play through Rodrygo and Mbappé. Whichever side executes their plan with precision will likely tip the balance as the game progresses.

Plays that could swing the match
At 26 minutes, Alavés nearly struck. Joan Jordán slipped a pass to Kike García in the box, but the striker blazed over, missing a golden chance. The play showed Alavés’ threat, especially through patient buildup. Real Madrid, meanwhile, keeps probing, with Rodrygo and Mbappé testing Alavés’ resolve.

The match hangs in the balance, with the draw keeping nerves frayed. Ancelotti demands sharper finishing, while Coudet pushes for organization. Subs like Vinicius Jr. or Bellingham for Real, or Villalibre for Alavés, could shift the tide later. Real’s dominance in past meetings looms, but Alavés’ home spirit and the VAR lifeline make anything possible.



The LaLiga clash between Alavés and Real Madrid, part of the 31st round, delivered high tension from the opening whistle at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Kicking off at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, the match pitted a scrappy Alavés, desperate to climb out of the relegation zone, against a Real Madrid side reeling from recent setbacks. By the 28th minute of the first half, the score remained 0-0 after VAR overturned a goal by Asencio, scored from a Rodrygo corner. The call sparked protests and shifted momentum, with Alavés gaining confidence while Real Madrid pushed to break the deadlock. The home crowd roared with every defensive stand, sensing a chance to frustrate the giants.

Real Madrid took the field with an attacking setup under Carlo Ancelotti. Courtois anchored the goal, backed by Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and Fran García in defense. The midfield featured Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, and Camavinga, with Mbappé and Rodrygo leading the charge up top. Alavés, guided by Eduardo Coudet, countered with Owono in goal, a backline of Tenaglia, Abqar, Mouriño, and Manu Sánchez, and a midfield of Joan Jordán, Blanco, Carlos Vicente, and Aleñá. Carlos Martín and Kike García formed the attacking duo, tasked with catching Real off guard. Both teams showed grit, with Alavés pressing high and Real controlling possession.

The VAR decision at the 20-minute mark became a defining moment. After Rodrygo’s corner, Asencio headed the ball into the net, but Alavés players protested a foul by Rüdiger on goalkeeper Owono. The referee, following a VAR review, disallowed the goal, restoring the 0-0 scoreline. The call reinvigorated Alavés, who leaned into counterattacks, while Real Madrid regrouped to maintain their offensive pressure. The match remained wide open, with both sides creating chances.

Early exchanges show fight
Alavés started with purpose. In the opening moments, they held possession, probing Real Madrid’s defense with patient passing. Kike García, relentless in his pressing, stole the ball and set up Aleñá, whose shot was blocked by Rüdiger. The play, though not dangerous, signaled Alavés’ refusal to be overawed by their opponents.

Real Madrid answered with composure. By the fourth minute, Alavés’ high press disrupted their buildup, but Tchouaméni and Valverde’s crisp passing broke the lines. At eight minutes, Rüdiger lofted a long ball to Arda Güler in the box. Owono misjudged his positioning, allowing Güler to shoot, but Mouriño cleared the effort. The chance fired up Real’s traveling fans, who saw Güler as a creative spark.

As Alavés worked the flanks through Carlos Vicente and Tenaglia, Real Madrid owned the midfield. Camavinga’s tireless running won back balls, sparking quick transitions. Rodrygo, operating on the left, began to trouble Alavés’ defense, particularly Manu Sánchez, who struggled to contain him without help. The game stayed competitive, with both teams trading blows.

Pivotal moments shape the scoreline
The match grew intense with a series of critical plays. At 12 minutes, Carlos Vicente collected the ball on the right, juked past Fran García, and crossed, only for Real’s defense to clear. A minute later, Blanco intercepted Valverde and fed Kike García, who fired a weak shot straight at Courtois. The sequence showed Alavés’ determination to stay in the fight.

Rodrygo sparked danger at 16 minutes, driving down the left and attempting a cross, but Abqar blocked. The next minute, he pounced on a rebound from Tchouaméni’s shot, weaved past a defender, and unleashed a fierce strike. Owono, well-placed, parried it for a corner. The buildup led to Asencio’s disallowed goal at 18 minutes, which stirred controversy. After VAR’s intervention, the score reverted to 0-0, keeping the stakes high.

  • 2’ – Alavés presses: Kike García steals and finds Aleñá, but Rüdiger blocks the shot.
  • 8’ – Real’s opportunity: Güler shoots after Owono’s mistake, but Mouriño clears.
  • 13’ – Alavés counters: Blanco wins possession and sets up Kike García, who shoots tamely at Courtois.
  • 17’ – Rodrygo threatens: He dribbles and fires after a rebound, but Owono saves.
  • 20’ – VAR overturns goal: Asencio scores from Rodrygo’s corner, but it’s ruled out for a foul on Owono.

Alavés gains momentum post-VAR
The VAR call breathed new life into Alavés. Sitting 19th with 28 points, the team faces a tough season, but holding Real Madrid scoreless boosted morale. Kike García kept probing for openings, while Carlos Vicente’s pace tested Real’s left flank. The Mendizorrotza crowd, renowned for its fervor, rallied behind every tackle and clearance, sensing a chance to earn a vital point.

Real Madrid felt the sting of the disallowed goal. After the decision, they regained possession but struggled to carve out clear chances. Rodrygo remained their biggest threat, weaving through defenders, but Alavés’ backline, anchored by Abqar and Mouriño, stood firm. Mbappé, yet to make a significant impact, looked for gaps, forcing Alavés’ defenders to stay sharp.

Coudet, on the sidelines, urged his players to stay disciplined. The game plan focused on crowding the midfield and hitting Real on the break. Joan Jordán and Blanco’s work rate stifled Valverde and Camavinga’s advances. For Alavés, the scoreless draw, even if temporary, was a small victory in their fight against relegation.

Real Madrid’s high-stakes season
Despite their second-place standing with 63 points, Real Madrid navigates choppy waters. A seven-point gap to leaders Barcelona, who have 70, heaps pressure on Ancelotti’s squad. A 2-1 loss to Valencia in LaLiga exposed defensive cracks, while a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League raised doubts about their resilience. Facing Alavés offers a chance to steady the ship before a must-win European clash.

Injuries forced Ancelotti’s hand in the lineup. Without Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão, Asencio paired with Rüdiger at center-back, flanked by Lucas Vázquez and Fran García. Güler’s inclusion in midfield aimed to add flair, while Mbappé and Rodrygo carried the attacking hopes. Fans expected a strong response to recent struggles, but the 0-0 scoreline underscored ongoing challenges.

Real Madrid’s history against Alavés tilts heavily in their favor. Last season, they won both matches: 1-0 away and 5-0 at home, with Vinicius Jr. netting twice in the rout. Yet, current inconsistencies demand focus, and the goalless draw so far highlights the need for sharper finishing.

Alavés’ survival scrap
Stuck in 19th, Alavés fights to stay in LaLiga. With just one win in their last ten games, a 1-0 upset over Girona last round offered a glimmer of hope. The gap to safety is tight, making every home point critical. Kike García and Carlos Vicente are central to their turnaround bid.

Coudet’s 4-4-2 setup emphasizes defensive grit. Joan Jordán and Blanco shield the backline, while Aleñá and Carlos Vicente provide width. Up front, young Carlos Martín pairs with Kike García, whose knack for clutch goals keeps defenses honest. Mendizorrotza’s electric atmosphere fuels Alavés, especially against a heavyweight like Real.

The home fans cling to dreams of an upset. Though Alavés has lost four of their last five against Real, with one draw, their defiance shines through. The VAR call against Asencio’s goal has galvanized the squad, who see the stalemate as a stepping stone to a rare result.

Numbers behind the battle
The matchup reveals stark contrasts. Real Madrid’s attack averages over two goals per game, among LaLiga’s best, while Alavés struggles, scoring under one per match. Defensively, both teams leak goals: Real has conceded in their last three games, and Alavés has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last ten.

  • Possession: Real averages 58% per game, against Alavés’ 42%.
  • Shots: Real fires off 15 shots per match, compared to Alavés’ 9.
  • Corners: Real earns 6 corners per game, versus Alavés’ 4.
  • Cards: Alavés averages 2.5 yellows per game, against Real’s 1.4.
  • Saves: Courtois makes 3 saves per match, while Owono faces about 5 shots on target.

Players stealing the spotlight
Rodrygo’s early influence underlines his importance to Real Madrid. With goals and assists this season, his flair and pace unsettle defenders. For Alavés, Kike García leads the line, ready to pounce on any defensive lapse. His experience could prove vital in tight moments.

The midfield duel between Camavinga and Joan Jordán captivates. Camavinga’s dynamism clashes with Jordán’s craft and composure. Güler, a starter for Real, aims to showcase his talent with incisive passes, while Aleñá, for Alavés, hunts for creative openings. Control of the center dictates the game’s flow.

Defensively, Asencio, thrust into Real’s lineup, must handle Carlos Martín’s speed. Alavés’ Abqar and Mouriño face the daunting task of containing Mbappé, a global superstar. Rüdiger’s know-how anchors Real, particularly after the VAR controversy over the goal.

What’s at stake in the standings
Holding Real Madrid to a draw would be a coup for Alavés. Their 19th-place position demands urgency, and a point at home could spark a climb out of the drop zone, depending on other results. The Mendizorrotza faithful fuel the team’s resolve to seize the moment.

For Real Madrid, dropping points is costly. Trailing Barcelona, they need wins to stay in the title hunt and build momentum for their Champions League rematch with Arsenal. The 0-0 scoreline frustrates Ancelotti, who knows consistency is key in a tight race.

Alavés’ tight 4-4-2 aims to choke Real’s passing lanes, while Real’s own 4-4-2 leans on wing play through Rodrygo and Mbappé. Whichever side executes their plan with precision will likely tip the balance as the game progresses.

Plays that could swing the match
At 26 minutes, Alavés nearly struck. Joan Jordán slipped a pass to Kike García in the box, but the striker blazed over, missing a golden chance. The play showed Alavés’ threat, especially through patient buildup. Real Madrid, meanwhile, keeps probing, with Rodrygo and Mbappé testing Alavés’ resolve.

The match hangs in the balance, with the draw keeping nerves frayed. Ancelotti demands sharper finishing, while Coudet pushes for organization. Subs like Vinicius Jr. or Bellingham for Real, or Villalibre for Alavés, could shift the tide later. Real’s dominance in past meetings looms, but Alavés’ home spirit and the VAR lifeline make anything possible.



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