Match Overview
Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-1 win over Deportivo Alaves in La Liga, thanks to a double from Kylian Mbappe and a strike from Vinicius Junior. The victory sees Los Blancos move up to third in the table, just four points behind leaders Barcelona.
The match was played at the Estadio Mendizorrotza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, with Alaves coming into the game on the back of a three-game unbeaten run. Real Madrid, however, were looking to bounce back from their midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich.
Tactical Breakdown
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made two changes to his starting lineup, with Eder Militao replacing the injured Antonio Rudiger and Luka Modric coming in for the injured Eduardo Camavinga. Alaves, meanwhile, stuck with the same team that had earned a point against Villarreal in their previous match.
The game got off to a lively start, with both teams creating chances in the opening 10 minutes. Alaves had the first real opportunity, however, when Luis Rioja’s shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper was equal to the task.
As the match wore on, Real Madrid began to dominate possession, with Luka Modric pulling the strings in midfield. The Croatian’s vision and passing range allowed him to pick out his teammates in space, and it was no surprise when Real Madrid took the lead on 25 minutes.
Vinicius Junior, who had been a thorn in Alaves’ side all afternoon, picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Fernando Pacheco in the Alaves goal.
Alaves pushed hard for an equalizer, but Real Madrid’s defense held firm, and the visitors were able to double their lead just before halftime. A swift counter-attack saw Mbappe release Vinicius down the right flank, and the Brazilian’s cross was met by the Frenchman, who slotted home his first goal of the game.
The second half was a more even affair, with Alaves pushing hard for a goal. However, Real Madrid’s defense remained solid, and the visitors were able to add a third goal on 65 minutes. Mbappe, who had been a constant threat all afternoon, collected a pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Pacheco.
Alaves did manage to pull a goal back on 80 minutes, but it was too little, too late, and Real Madrid held on for a crucial 3-1 win.
Key Moments
- 25 minutes: Vinicius Junior gives Real Madrid the lead with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
- 40 minutes: Mbappe doubles the lead with a calm finish from a Vinicius cross.
- 65 minutes: Mbappe adds a third goal for Real Madrid with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
- 80 minutes: Alaves pull a goal back through a Rioja strike, but it’s too little, too late.
Player Spotlight
Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show for Real Madrid, scoring two goals and providing a constant threat to the Alaves defense. The Frenchman’s pace and skill were too much for the Alaves backline to handle, and he was instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory.
Mbappe’s first goal was a typical example of his finishing ability, as he slotted home a Vinicius cross with ease. His second goal, however, was a more impressive display of skill, as he collected a pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot that flew past Pacheco.
Vinicius Junior also had a good game for Real Madrid, providing two assists and scoring one goal. The Brazilian’s pace and skill were a threat to the Alaves defense all afternoon, and he was instrumental in Real Madrid’s victory.
Manager Reaction
“We are happy with the three points, but we know that we can play better,” said Carlo Ancelotti after the match. “We had a lot of possession and created a lot of chances, but we also made some mistakes that could have cost us the game. We will work on those mistakes and come back stronger next week.”
“The players are working hard and they are giving everything on the pitch. We are proud of them and we will continue to support them,” Ancelotti added.
Standings & Implications
The win sees Real Madrid move up to third in the La Liga table, just four points behind leaders Barcelona. Alaves, meanwhile, remain in 14th place, six points above the relegation zone.
The victory is a crucial one for Real Madrid, who are looking to close the gap on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. With the Champions League quarterfinals looming, Ancelotti will be looking to build on this win and take his team to the next level.
What’s Next
Real Madrid have a busy schedule ahead of them, with a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich looming next week. They will also face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semifinals, and will look to build on this win and take their season to the next level.
Bottom Line
Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Alaves was a crucial one for the team, who are looking to close the gap on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid at the top of the table. Mbappe’s double and Vinicius Junior’s goal were the highlights of the match, and the team’s victory will give them a boost ahead of their busy schedule.
As Ancelotti said after the match, “We are happy with the three points, but we know that we can play better. We will work on those mistakes and come back stronger next week.” With the team’s form and the quality of their players, it’s clear that Real Madrid are a force to be reckoned with in La Liga this season.
About This Report
This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.
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