Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe scored as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Alaves in LaLiga, easing some of the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso.
Madrid entered Sunday’s clash at the Estadio de Mendizorroza seven points behind league leaders Barcelona, following a run of just two wins in their last seven matches, which had fueled speculation over Alonso’s future.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 24th minute with a stunning strike. Receiving Jude Bellingham’s pass on the left flank, he drove at the retreating Alaves defence before curling the ball into the top-right corner.
Earlier, Rodrygo had come close, and Madrid thought they had doubled their lead shortly after Mbappe’s opener. However, a goal by Bellingham was disallowed for handball after he controlled Arda Guler’s cross.
Early in the second half, Federico Valverde fired wide, and Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera produced a fine double save to deny both Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
Alaves equalized in the 68th minute through substitute Carlos Vicente, who scored with a precise shot to the top corner just 43 seconds after coming on, assisted by Antonio Blanco.
Real Madrid restored their lead in the 76th minute. Vinicius made a blistering run down the left wing before setting up Rodrygo, who slotted home the decisive goal.
Brazilian Duo Shines for Madrid
The victory was largely thanks to Madrid’s Brazilian duo. Vinicius has now provided 11 assists to Rodrygo in all competitions this season—more than double the number supplied by any other teammate, with Luka Modric second on five.
Mbappe’s goal marked his seventh from a carry across all competitions this season, three more than any other player.
While Madrid may have been slightly fortunate to claim the three points—they recorded 1.24 expected goals (xG) compared to Alaves’ 1.36—the team outshot the hosts 13 to six, underlining their attacking dominance despite the scare.
