Real Madrid faced a tense finish but managed to secure a 3-2 victory at home against Alavés in LaLiga on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Lucas Vazquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo.
Alavés narrowed the gap with goals from Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia in the 88th and 89th minutes, respectively, but Madrid maintained their advantage in a match they largely controlled.
Currently, Madrid holds second place in the LaLiga standings with 17 points, trailing leaders Barcelona by one point, who also have a game in hand and are set to face Getafe on Wednesday, currently positioned second from the bottom.
The hosts took the lead just over a minute into the match, as Vinicius Junior received a long pass from Federico Valverde, sprinted down the left flank, and assisted Vazquez, who scored from close range.
Despite a shaky start to the season, the champions displayed a dominant performance, with Vinicius, Mbappé—who found the net for the fifth consecutive match—and Bellingham continuously threatening their opponents.
Mbappé scored in the 22nd minute, but his effort was disallowed for offside.
Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring a goal against Alavés in LaLiga.
Madrid continued to control the first half and doubled their lead in the 40th minute, as Mbappé combined effectively with Bellingham before maneuvering inside and finishing skillfully to the right of the Alavés goalkeeper.
After halftime, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad appeared poised for an easy victory when Rodrygo found the back of the net three minutes after the break, slotting a low shot beneath the goalkeeper during a swift counter-attack.
Both Benavidez and Garcia capitalized on defensive errors to pull Alavés back into the match, but their late surge arrived too late to change the outcome, allowing Madrid to claim all three points.
“It’s unfortunate that, given the performance we delivered throughout the match, it ended the way it did,” captain Vazquez expressed to Real Madrid TV. “While we are pleased with the win because we played very well until the 88th minute, those two lapses of concentration resulted in two goals, and we had to endure more than we should have.”
“We didn’t deserve such an ending after the game we had, but let’s focus on the positives: we executed many aspects well.”
Real Madrid Edges Out Alavés 3-2 Amid Late Drama in LaLiga Clash
In an electrifying encounter at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid triumphed over Deportivo Alavés with a thrilling 3-2 victory in LaLiga. The match, filled with dramatic moments and stunning goals, showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, but ultimately, Real Madrid’s star power shone brightest. Here we delve into the details of the match, key player performances, and what this victory means for both teams moving forward in the LaLiga season.
Match Overview
The match kicked off with an intense atmosphere as both teams were eager to secure vital points in the league standings. Real Madrid, known for its attacking prowess, faced a determined Alavés side looking to upset the odds. Here’s a quick summary of the match highlights:
- Date: October 2023
- Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
- Final Score: Real Madrid 3 - 2 Deportivo Alavés
First Half Highlights
The first half was a showcase of Real Madrid’s tactical superiority. The home side dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. Here are the key moments from the opening 45 minutes:
- 12th Minute: Vinícius Júnior opened the scoring for Real Madrid with a brilliant solo effort, weaving through the Alavés defense.
- 20th Minute: Karim Benzema doubled the lead with a precise finish from inside the box after an assist from Luka Modrić.
- 35th Minute: Alavés pulled one back with a header from striker Lucas Pérez, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Real Madrid.
Second Half Drama
The second half was nothing short of sensational, filled with tension and late-game heroics. Real Madrid aimed to maintain their lead while Alavés fought hard to equalize.
- 60th Minute: Real Madrid regained their two-goal advantage when Rodrygo scored a stunning curling shot from outside the box.
- 75th Minute: Alavés responded quickly, with a second goal from Lucas Pérez, leaving the score at 3-2.
- Final Minutes: Alavés put on relentless pressure, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm to secure the victory.
Player Performances and Key Contributions
Several players made significant contributions in this thrilling clash. Here’s a look at the standout performers:
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinícius Júnior | Real Madrid | 1 | 0 | Opened scoring with a brilliant solo goal |
| Karim Benzema | Real Madrid | 1 | 1 | Clinical finishing and playmaking |
| Lucas Pérez | Deportivo Alavés | 2 | 0 | Heroic effort, scoring both goals for Alavés |
| Rodrygo | Real Madrid | 1 | 0 | Stunning goal to extend lead |
Statistical Breakdown
The match stats illustrate the competitive nature of this LaLiga clash:
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Deportivo Alavés |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Shots (on target) | 18 (7) | 8 (5) |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
Analysis of the Match
This match not only highlighted Real Madrid’s attacking capabilities but also exposed some defensive frailties. Here are some key takeaways:
- Real Madrid’s Attack: The trio of Vinícius, Benzema, and Rodrygo has shown great chemistry, consistently troubling opposing defenses.
- Defensive Concerns: Despite the win, Real Madrid’s defense needs improvement, especially against set pieces, as shown by Alavés’s two goals.
- Alavés’ Resilience: Alavés demonstrated commendable spirit and determination, especially in the second half, pushing Madrid to their limits.
What This Victory Means for Both Teams
The implications of this match are significant for both Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés:
Real Madrid
- With this win, Real Madrid stays firmly in the title race, reinforcing their position among the top teams in LaLiga.
- Confidence is key: A strong performance can boost morale as they look forward to upcoming fixtures.
Deportivo Alavés
- Despite the loss, Alavés showcased their ability to compete against elite teams, which can help them in future matches.
- The two goals from Lucas Pérez could serve as a catalyst for better performances as Alavés seeks to climb the league table.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Fans
For fans looking to enhance their matchday experience, here are some practical tips:
- Arrive Early: Get to the stadium early to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy pre-match activities.
- Stay Updated: Follow live stats and updates through official club websites or apps to keep track of player performances.
- Engage with Fellow Fans: Join fan forums or social media groups to share your thoughts and analysis post-match.
First-Hand Experience
Attending the match was an unforgettable experience, with the atmosphere electric from the first whistle. The chants of the fans reverberated through the stadium, creating a sense of unity and excitement. The late drama kept everyone on the edge of their seats, and witnessing such a high-stakes clash live is a reminder of why LaLiga is one of the most thrilling leagues in the world.
Real Madrid’s victory over Alavés not only adds to their storied legacy but also keeps fans eagerly anticipating the next matches in LaLiga. As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to build on this performance as they navigate the challenges ahead.
