Real Madrid are scared at the end, but beat Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu
The match between Real Madrid and Deportivo Alavés for the 7th round of La Liga, which seemed to be going smoothly in the hands of the Merengues, became tense with two quick goals from the visitors, which rekindled Alavés’ hopes at the Santiago Bernabéu. After 88 minutes of play, the score was 3-2 for the home team, after a lightning start and an unexpected reaction from the opponents.
REAL MADRID’S DEVASTATING START AND DOMINANCE IN THE FIRST HALF
Real Madrid started the game with a bang. In the first minute, Lucas Vázquez opened the scoring after an assist from Vinicius Junior, showing that the home team would not leave any room for surprises. The dominance continued throughout the first half, with Real Madrid controlling possession and creating several opportunities.
Kylian Mbappé extended the lead in the 40th minute after receiving a precise pass from Jude Bellingham. With the score at 2-0, Real Madrid went into the break with a comfortable lead and in complete control of the game. Alavés, on the other hand, seemed to lack the strength to react, with few attempts to attack and no threat to Kepa’s goal.
UNEXPECTED REACTION FROM ALAVÉS IN THE FINAL STRETCH
At the start of the second half, Real Madrid continued to press and, in the 48th minute, Rodrygo scored the team’s third goal, after a well-worked move that started with Lucas Vázquez. With the score at 3-0, everything indicated that the match would be just a formality until the final whistle.
However, in the 85th minute, Carlos Nahuel Benavidez took advantage of a mistake in Real Madrid’s defense and reduced the deficit to 3-1. As soon as Alavés celebrated the first goal, Kike scored the second goal for the visiting team in the following minute, setting the game on fire and bringing tension to the Madrid fans.
STRATEGIC SUBSTITUTIONS AND EMOTIONAL CONTROL
After Alaves’ second goal, Carlo Ancelotti quickly reacted with strategic substitutions. Jesus Vallejo and Arda Guler came on to replace Eder Militão and Kylian Mbappé, with the aim of reorganizing the defense and maintaining the advantage on the scoreboard. Alaves coach Luis Garcia Plaza also tried to change the pace of the game with several substitutions, including the introduction of Abde Rebbach and Antonio Blanco.
Tensions were high at the Santiago Bernabéu as Alavés pressed hard in the final minutes in search of an equaliser. Real Madrid’s defence had to show determination and emotional control to resist the pressure, managing to hold on to the result until the final whistle.
THE DECISIVE MOMENT OF THE GAME
The most dramatic moment of the match came in the 86th minute, when, after a pass into the Real Madrid box, Carlos Benavidez provided a precise assist for Kike, who made no mistake and scored Alavés’ second goal. The visitors’ quick reaction surprised everyone and put unexpected pressure on Real Madrid, who, until then, seemed to have the game completely under control.
The pressure continued until the end, with Alavés desperately searching for an equaliser, but the Madrid defence managed to hold on to secure the result, securing the three points and provisional leadership in La Liga.
INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE AND MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
The game had several individual highlights. For Real Madrid, Lucas Vázquez and Vinicius Junior were key in the attacking plays, while Mbappé once again showed his quality by scoring a beautiful goal. In defense, despite the scares, Kepa’s performance was solid, especially in the air.
For Alavés, Carlos Benavidez was the standout performer, with a goal and an assist, driving his team’s comeback. Kike’s performance was also crucial, as he took advantage of the opportunity to score and put the visiting team very close to a surprising result.
GAME STATISTICS AND CONTROL
Despite the tight result, the statistics show Real Madrid’s dominance in the match. The home team had more possession and a higher number of shots. However, Alavés’ efficiency in the few chances they created left the game open until the final minutes.Ball possession: Real Madrid 60% – 40% Alavés
Finishes: Real Madrid 15 – Alaves 7
Shots on target: Real Madrid 8 – Alavés 4
Fouls committed: Real Madrid 10 – 14 Alavés
OUTLOOK FOR THE NEXT GAMES
With this victory, Real Madrid maintains its unbeaten run in La Liga and remains provisionally top of the league, awaiting the results of the other matches of the round. Alavés, despite the defeat, showed a power of reaction that could be crucial for the team’s next challenges.
Real Madrid’s next match will be a derby against Barcelona, while Alavés will face Sevilla at home, looking to climb back up the table. Coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make adjustments to Real Madrid’s defense to avoid scares like today’s.
ANALYSIS OF TECHNICIANS
After the game, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged Real Madrid’s drop in performance in the final minutes, but stressed the importance of staying focused until the final whistle. He stressed that the victory, despite the struggle, was deserved and that the team needs to learn from its mistakes for the next games.
On the other hand, Luis Garcia Plaza praised the determination of his players and lamented the missed opportunities at the end of the match. The coach believes that Alavés can use the late reaction as motivation for the next matches.
FEATURED PLAYERS
In addition to Lucas Vázquez, Mbappé and Rodrygo for Real Madrid, and Benavidez and Kike for Alavés, other players also had performances that deserve to be mentioned. Federico Valverde, despite receiving a yellow card, was tireless in midfield, while Vinicius Junior actively participated in the attacking plays.
At Alavés, goalkeeper Antonio Sivera made important saves that prevented a bigger score. The defense, despite conceding three goals, showed resilience and managed to withstand the pressure on several occasions.
GAME CURIOSITIES
This was Real Madrid’s third consecutive game in which they scored more than three goals, which shows the team’s attacking strength this season. On the other hand, Alavés, with both goals scored in the final minutes, broke a goal drought against Real Madrid that had lasted five games.
