Stuck in a poor run of results, Xabi Alonso’s days on the Real Madrid bench appear numbered. On this night, he earned a small reprieve thanks to Mbappé and Vinícius.
- Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid : Mbappé 24’, Rodrygo 76’ – Vincente 68’
Leading through Mbappé in the 24th minute—after a goal the Frenchman created entirely on his own—Real looked set to take control against a disorganized Alavés side. Bellingham thought he had doubled the lead, but his goal was ruled out by VAR. Real went into halftime ahead.
Defensive doubts, however, caught up with them again as Alavés equalized through Vicente, who got in behind Rüdiger and was ultimately judged onside. Alavés pushed for a winner, leaving spaces at the back, and Vinícius took full advantage by bursting down the flank and crossing for Rodrygo.
Real Madrid hand their coach a brief stay of execution.