Real Madrid’s Victory Overview
Kylian Mbappe continued his scoring streak, netting a goal for the fourth consecutive match as Real Madrid narrowly defeated Deportivo Alaves 3-2 in La Liga on Tuesday. This hard-fought win brings Madrid within one point of league leaders Barcelona, who are set to face Getafe on Wednesday. Despite a late surge from Alaves, Madrid held firm to secure the crucial three points.
Dominant Start for Madrid
From the outset, Real Madrid demonstrated their intent to dominate. Manager Carlo Ancelotti made strategic changes to the lineup, bringing Vinicius Junior back into action and giving Lucas Vazquez a rare start. The duo wasted no time making an impact, combining effectively within the first minute. Vinicius charged down the left flank and delivered a precise cutback for Vazquez, who finished effortlessly.
Ancelotti had emphasized the need for increased intensity at the start of matches, especially after Madrid’s lackluster first halves this season. The players responded well, controlling the game and limiting Alaves’ opportunities to reach Thibaut Courtois’ goal.
Mbappe’s Fifth League Goal
Madrid’s second goal came just five minutes before halftime, thanks to a brilliant collaboration between Mbappe and Jude Bellingham. The French captain executed a clever flick, setting up Bellingham, who returned the favor with a perfectly timed pass. Mbappe took two skillful touches to evade his defender before placing the ball into the net. This goal marked Mbappe’s fifth in La Liga, highlighting his growing importance to the squad.
Rodrygo Expands the Lead
Following the break, Rodrygo added a third goal for Madrid, showcasing his agility and precision. He maneuvered into the penalty area and fired a low shot that sneaked through Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera’s legs. The Brazilian’s goal further solidified Madrid’s grip on the match.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Alaves made a few notable attempts. Teenage striker Endrick nearly scored with a deflected shot that struck the post, while Abde Rebbach also hit the woodwork during a rare offensive push.
Late Drama for Madrid
As the match approached its conclusion, Ancelotti opted to substitute Mbappe, who seemed to experience discomfort in his thigh. “He’s fine, just a little overloaded,” Ancelotti explained after the match. “He asked for the change to avoid any problems.”
In a surprising turn of events, Alaves clawed back into the game with two goals in the final five minutes. Carlos Protesoni scored a stunning strike from the edge of the box in the 85th minute, injecting hope into the visitors. Shortly after, Protesoni assisted Kike Garcia with a well-placed ball that found the net, igniting a tense finish.
Real Madrid’s Unbeaten Streak
Despite the late scare, Real Madrid managed to secure the victory. This match marked Ancelotti’s 300th game at the helm of the club across two spells, extending Madrid’s unbeaten league streak to 39 games. The team will now turn its focus to the highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid, set to take place on Sunday at the Metropolitano Stadium.
Post-Match Reactions
After the match, Vazquez reflected on the performance, stating, “We had a great game until the 80th minute, when two mistakes cost us two goals. We had to suffer more than we should have.” His sentiments echoed the mixed emotions felt by the players as they navigated the final moments of the game.
Ancelotti expressed his frustration with the officiating, confronting the referee over several bookings for his players, while Alaves’ coach, Luis Garcia Plaza, voiced his anger over an incident involving Endrick. “The Endrick incident should have been a red card,” he insisted. “There’s nothing more to say about this topic.”
Upcoming Matches
As La Liga continues, Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid will face Celta Vigo on Thursday, among other fixtures. The intensity of the league is palpable, with each match carrying significant implications for the title race.
Conclusion
Kylian Mbappe’s continued excellence and Real Madrid’s resilience highlight their determination to compete for the La Liga title. Despite the late drama, the team’s ability to hold on to their lead underscores their experience and skill. As the season progresses, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense competition as the league title race heats up. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
