Kylian Mbappe marked a triumphant return from injury, scoring an impressive goal that propelled Real Madrid to a crucial 2-1 victory against Alaves in La Liga. This win, marking only Real Madrid’s third victory in their last nine outings across all competitions, enhances coach Xabi Alonso’s standing amid growing scrutiny regarding his position.
With this victory against Alaves, Madrid, positioned second in La Liga, narrowed the gap with league leaders Barcelona to four points. Following a challenging defeat to Manchester City in the Champions League, the pressure was on Alonso to secure a win. Spanish media had indicated that a loss could jeopardize his role as head coach.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a stunning strike that showcased his exceptional skill. After seamlessly receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham, the forward maneuvered into position and unleashed a shot that grazed the top right corner of the net. Despite initial discomfort in his knee that saw him hobble early in the match, Mbappe quickly became a pivotal player on the pitch.
Carlos Vicente equalized for Alaves in the second half, taking advantage of Madrid’s momentary lapse in focus. Vicente capitalized on a chipped pass from former Madrid midfielder Antonio Blanco, deftly directing the ball past goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The momentum shifted as Alaves sought to assert control, nearly pushing ahead before Real Madrid retaliated.
In a pivotal moment, Vinicius Junior broke down the left flank and delivered a precise cross to Rodrygo, who finished from close range to reclaim the lead for Madrid. This goal marked Rodrygo’s second successful outing in as many matches, a welcome turnaround after a long stretch without scoring.
Despite some intense moments as the match drew to a close, including appeals for a penalty that were denied and attempts from Bellingham to secure a clearer margin, Madrid held on for victory. Alonso’s emotional response to the pivotal win underscored the high stakes of maintaining his position in the club.
Meanwhile, in other La Liga updates, champions Barcelona continued their strong run, defeating Osasuna 2-0, ensuring their lead at the top of the table heading into the winter break. The result solidifies Barcelona’s position as a dominant force in the league, showcasing the competitive spirit of La Liga.
The upcoming matches promise to further challenge both coaches and teams as they navigate the intricacies of this prestigious tournament.
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