Real Madrid secured another victory on Tuesday, but it became much closer than expected by the end. Initially cruising toward a comfortable win over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu, late goals made for a tense finish.
In a surprising move, Carlo Ancelotti fielded a full-strength squad, despite an upcoming Madrid derby against Atletico this weekend. The decision paid off quickly, with Lucas Vazquez, serving as stand-in captain, scoring in the first minute after a Vinicius Junior assist.
Kylian Mbappe doubled the lead in the first half with his best goal for Real Madrid yet. After exchanging passes with Jude Bellingham, he sliced through the Alaves defense and coolly finished past goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.
In the second half, Rodrygo Goes added a third with a superb solo effort. He picked up the ball deep in the Alaves half, drove into the box, and finished through Sivera’s legs from a tight angles.
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At that point, Real Madrid seemed to be coasting to victory. However, after Eder Militao was replaced by Jesus Vallejo, the defense faltered. Carlos Protesoni pulled one back for Alaves, and two minutes later, Kike Garcia made it 3-2, creating a nervous finale. Despite the pressure, Real Madrid managed to hold on for the win.