Real Madrid: Impressive Win Over Alavés in La Liga Clash

Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Deportivo Alavés in their 16th La Liga match of the season, showcasing resilience and skill.

The match, held at the Santiago Bernabéu, saw the home side take an early lead through Kylian Mbappé’s stunning strike. Despite a moment of defensive lapse leading to Alavés’ equalizer, Carlo Ancelotti’s men managed to regain their composure and clinch the win. This victory not only reinforces Madrid’s position in the league but also highlights their ongoing quest for glory this season.

Player Ratings and Performances

Thibaut Courtois earned a solid 7 for his performance, demonstrating calmness throughout the first half but crucially saving his team in injury time. Although he couldn’t prevent Alavés from scoring, his overall contribution was vital. Federico Valverde was rated at 6.5; his early assist to Rodrygo showcased his attacking prowess, while he remained defensively sound throughout the match.

Antonio Rüdiger received a 5, as he struggled defensively, contributing to the build-up for the opening goal but failing to mark effectively on the equalizer. On the other hand, Raúl Asencio stood out with a 7 for winning all his duels and providing stability at the back. Ferland Mendy made his first start with a 5.5 rating, showing promise but still needing to refine his game.

Tactical Insights and Key Moments

Aurélien Tchouaméni was given a 5.5 for his role in linking up play between defense and midfield; however, he struggled with ball retention at times. Arda Güler‘s rating of 5 reflects a dip in influence compared to earlier in the season, particularly in the final third where he lacked creativity.

Jude Bellingham impressed with a 7 rating, playing a pivotal role in midfield and assisting Mbappé’s goal. Rodrygo had moments of brilliance but ended up with a 6 after missing an early chance reminiscent of his previous performances against Manchester City. Mbappé’s overall rating of 6.5 reflects his ability to change the game with his goal but also acknowledges that he faced challenges afterward.

Vinícius Júnior rounded out the ratings with a score of 6; while he provided an assist for Rodrygo’s decisive goal, he was unable to find consistent rhythm throughout the match.

This victory propels Real Madrid further into contention as they look to maintain momentum in La Liga. With upcoming fixtures on the horizon, can they continue this upward trajectory? The squad will need to build on this performance if they wish to reclaim their spot at the top of Spanish football.