Real Madrid secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Deportivo Alavés at the Estadio Mendizorrotza, overcoming the setback of a Kylian Mbappé red card to end their three-match winless streak and keep their LaLiga title hopes alive.
Alavés, 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 Jesús Owono and Raúl Asencio’s disallowed goal due to a foul by Antonio Rüdiger.
Despite Alavés’s attacking intentions, Kike García 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 Güler.
The match took a dramatic turn just five minutes later when Mbappé was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco, following a VAR review. Alavés, 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 Alavés 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 Alavés, 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.
