Player Ratings: Real Madrid’s Narrow Victory Over Alavés

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Alavés, showcasing resilience and individual brilliance. The match saw standout performances, particularly from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, as they played pivotal roles in the team’s success.

The encounter at Mendizorrotza was a testament to Real Madrid’s tenacity as they continue their campaign in the 2024-2025 season. Despite some shaky moments, the squad managed to clinch three crucial points, keeping them firmly in the title race. Thibaut Courtois was instrumental with two key saves that kept the team afloat during challenging phases of the match. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham further solidified his reputation as a key player by not only assisting but also controlling the tempo of the game from midfield.

Defensive Struggles and Tactical Adjustments

While Courtois shone brightly with an impressive rating of 8 for his performance, the defensive line faced scrutiny. Antonio Rüdiger, rated at 5, had a night to forget as he struggled with positioning and made questionable decisions that led to Alavés’ goal. His failure to maintain the offside line proved costly. On the other hand, Raúl Asencio displayed commendable composure throughout the match, earning a solid 7 for his contributions in defense.

Midfield Dynamics and Forward Prowess

The midfield duo of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler had mixed outings. Tchouaméni’s passing was below par, earning him a rating of 6, while Güler showed glimpses of potential but failed to make a significant impact defensively, receiving a score of 6.5. Conversely, Fede Valverde impressed with his relentless pressing and defensive work, contributing significantly despite playing deeper than usual, resulting in a commendable rating of 7.

Up front, Kylian Mbappé dazzled with an exquisite strike that broke the deadlock early on and was crucial in maintaining pressure on Alavés’ defense. His overall performance garnered him an 8 rating. Rodrygo also made his mark by scoring the decisive goal late in the match, showcasing both skill and determination for a rating of 7.5.

The substitutes had limited opportunities to make an impact; Dean Huijsen returned quietly with minimal involvement but did not falter when called upon, while Gonzalo García’s poor final pass marred an otherwise promising chance. Brahim Díaz missed a golden opportunity that could have extended Madrid’s lead.

As Real Madrid continues its title pursuit, this match highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement. Will Carlo Ancelotti adjust his tactics moving forward? Only time will tell as they prepare for their next challenge.