Real Madrid snapped their two-match losing streak with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Alavés at Mendizorroza, maintaining pressure on Barcelona at the top of La Liga with a four-point deficit. Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo Goes secured the win, sandwiching an equalizer from Carlos Vicente during a swift counter-attack.
This match marked a crucial turnaround for Los Blancos, who had faced criticism following back-to-back defeats, including a disappointing loss to Manchester City. Despite their struggles, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical awareness against Alavés, showcasing a blend of youthful energy and established talent. The victory not only boosts morale but also keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race as they continue to chase their arch-rivals Barcelona.
Defensive Challenges and Tactical Adjustments
With an extensive injury list that has left Real Madrid’s defense in disarray, coach Xabi Alonso was forced to make significant adjustments. Key players such as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy, and Éder Militão were sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, suspensions for Carvajal and others left Alonso with little choice but to call up Castilla player Víctor Valdepeñas as an emergency left-back.
Valdepeñas made history by becoming the first player since Dani Carvajal and Isco in 2013 to record over five tackles and more than twelve duels on his debut. The young defender’s performance was commendable despite conceding a goal due to a defensive lapse that Alonso later criticized. The coach’s decision to highlight Valdepeñas’ mistake raised eyebrows, particularly given the context of his debut.
Offensive Cohesion: A Promising Combination
The match also saw the first start for the attacking quartet of Rodrygo, Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior under Alonso. Rodrygo was rewarded for his impressive display against Manchester City with a goal that highlighted his resurgence after a lengthy scoring drought. Meanwhile, Mbappé displayed versatility by frequently drifting left, interchanging positions with Vinícius Júnior to create openings against Alavés’ defense.
This tactical flexibility provided Real Madrid with a dynamic attacking edge that proved effective against a compact opposition. The inclusion of Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Díaz added further depth to the squad’s attacking options, showcasing the team’s depth even amidst adversity.
The victory comes at a critical juncture for Alonso, who faces mounting pressure from both media and club officials regarding his future. Reports suggest that failure to secure upcoming victories could jeopardize his position as head coach. With crucial matches ahead against Talavera de la Reina in the Copa del Rey and Sevilla next week at the Bernabéu, Alonso’s ability to navigate this turbulent period remains under scrutiny.
As for the penalty incident late in the match, Real Madrid felt aggrieved after referee Víctor García Verdura denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Nahuel Tenaglia fouled Vinícius Júnior in the box. The Brazilian expressed frustration post-match, stating emphatically that “it’s a penalty,” while Alavés coach Eduardo Coudet suggested it should have been either a penalty or a yellow card for diving.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges for Real Madrid as they strive to reclaim their dominant form while managing injuries and maintaining team cohesion. With every match now critical for both points and confidence, fans will be keenly watching how this season unfolds.
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