Real Madrid secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alav�s at the Estadio Mendizorrotza, overcoming the setback of a Kylian Mbapp� red card to end their three-match winless streak and keep their LaLiga title hopes alive. �
Alav�s, fighting to avoid relegation, started strongly, aiming to exploit Real Madrid’s recent away form. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Real Madrid gradually gained control, with Rodrygo forcing a save from Jes�s Owono and Ra�l Asencio’s disallowed goal due to a foul by Antonio R�diger.
Despite Alav�s’s attacking intentions, Kike Garc�a missed a crucial opportunity, firing over the bar. Real Madrid capitalized on this wastefulness in the 34th minute, as Eduardo Camavinga scored a stunning curling effort from distance, assisted by Arda G�ler.
The match took a dramatic turn just five minutes later when Mbapp� was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco, following a VAR review. Alav�s, with a man advantage, started the second half brightly, but Thibaut Courtois remained largely untroubled. �
The numerical advantage was short-lived, however. In the 70th minute, Vinicius Junior was clumsily brought down by Manu Sanchez, leading to another VAR review and a red card for the Alav�s defender.
Despite both teams being reduced to 10 players, Real Madrid maintained control. Jude Bellingham forced a late save from Owono, but the visitors had already done enough to secure the victory.
The 1-0 win keeps Real Madrid in pursuit of league leaders Barcelona, while Alav�s, despite the loss, can take encouragement from their performance, knowing their fate remains in their own hands. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by crucial VAR decisions and a resilient Real Madrid display.
