Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak in domestic competition with an exhilarating 3-2 victory over Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday evening. The reigning Spanish champions showcased dazzling attacking chemistry for over an hour, with Lucas Vázquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo establishing a commanding three-goal cushion before an uncharacteristic defensive lapse sparked a frantic finish.
The hosts took the lead just 54 seconds into the contest when Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior embarked on a trademark blistering run down the left flank before cutting a measured pass back into the box for captain Lucas Vázquez to sidefoot calmly past Antonio Sivera. The electric opening set a relentless tempo, pinning the Basque visitors deep inside their own defensive third.
Early Dominance and Mbappé's Individual Brilliance
Mbappé doubled Madrid's tally in spectacular fashion five minutes before the interval. Exchanging a rapid one-two with Jude Bellingham on the edge of the area, the French superstar danced past his marker with subtle footwork and delivered an emphatic low finish into the corner. It marked Mbappé's seventh goal in nine appearances across all competitions for the royal white shirt, solidifying his lethal partnership with Bellingham and Vinícius.
Rodrygo effectively appeared to put the match out of reach three minutes into the second half, collecting a pinpoint ball on the right, bursting past two defenders, and driving a fierce angled strike through Sivera's legs. Real Madrid seemed poised for a landslide triumph as Carlo Ancelotti rotated his midfield options to manage fitness ahead of the upcoming Madrid derby against Atlético.
“We played very well for 75 minutes, but when you drop intensity in La Liga, any opponent can punish you. Kylian is feeling a slight twinge, but we are confident it is nothing serious.”
Late Alavés Surge Tests Champions' Resolve
However, the dynamics shifted abruptly after Mbappé was withdrawn in the 80th minute as a precaution following discomfort in his left thigh. Alavés capitalized on a sudden drop in Madrid's defensive concentration. In the 85th minute, Carlos Benavídez curled a magnificent long-range strike off the far post, and barely sixty seconds later, substitute Kike García chested down a diagonal cross to fire past Thibaut Courtois, slicing the deficit to a single goal.
Six minutes of stoppage time saw tension boil over at the Bernabéu as Alavés pushed their entire side forward in search of an unthinkable equalizer. Real Madrid's backline, marshaled by Antonio Rüdiger, held firm under aerial bombardment to preserve the three points, keeping the capital club firmly on the heels of league leaders Barcelona.
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