Real Madrid edged past Alavés in LaLiga, yet doubts around performance and direction refused to disappear. Pressure on Xabi Alonso remained intense despite three points that arrived through moments rather than dominance.
Demands were high before kickoff, especially given the growing debate around the consistency of Real Madrid (2.51) this season. However, what followed was another uneven display that raised questions about control, cohesion, and leadership under stress.
Early Real Madrid Promise and Immediate Warning Signs
Initially, Real Madrid showed urgency. The opening exchanges suggested intent and aggression. Kylian Mbappé looked lively despite fitness concerns. Even so, uncertainty crept in quickly. Alavés found space far too easily. Madrid’s structure looked fragile again.
Reports before the match had framed this encounter as decisive for Alonso. Anything less than victory felt unacceptable. Therefore, tension was evident from the first whistle.
Mbappé returned after missing the midweek Manchester City defeat in the UEFA Champions League. The French forward appeared cautious early on. Moreover, he signalled discomfort in his knee within minutes.
Despite that, danger followed whenever he touched the ball. A low drive drifted narrowly wide. Another effort cleared the crossbar moments later.
Rodrygo then added to Madrid’s wastefulness. His shot in the 12th minute lacked conviction. Momentum soon faded. Consequently, Madrid’s early press dissolved. Alavés gained confidence. The crowd sensed vulnerability.
Mbappé Breaks the Deadlock, but Control Remains Elusive
Suddenly, Madrid struck. The 24th-minute opener arrived almost against the flow. It was clinical rather than commanding. Rodrygo won possession sharply. Bellingham received the pass between the lines. Mbappé finished calmly for his 70th Madrid goal.
Brief celebrations followed. Yet composure did not. Defensive spacing remained inconsistent.
Shortly afterwards, Madrid thought they had doubled their advantage. Bellingham turned in from close range. However, the goal was ruled out for handball. That decision shifted the mood again. Alavés pushed higher. Madrid retreated unnecessarily. Before the interval, Thibaut Courtois was required. His save from Pablo Ibáñez looked awkward. Still, it prevented an equaliser.
Therefore, the first half ended with unease. Madrid led on the scoreboard. The performance offered little reassurance.
Second-Half Flashes Without Authority
After the restart, Madrid attempted to impose itself. There was more tempo initially. Yet it lacked continuity. Antonio Sivera denied Mbappé brilliantly. Vinícius Júnior failed to convert the rebound. The chance passed.
Once again, pressure faded. Alavés advanced with belief. Madrid’s midfield struggled to slow transitions. Inevitably, the equaliser arrived. Carlos Vicente produced a moment of quality in the 69th minute. His control was exquisite. The finish beat Courtois cleanly.
A brief offside check followed. Relief swept through the home support when the goal stood. Madrid looked rattled. Soon after, Raúl Asencio was forced into a desperate challenge. Lucas Boyé was inches from shooting. Madrid were wobbling.
At this stage, the match resembled survival rather than ambition. Alonso’s touchline presence grew animated. The stakes were obvious.
Rodrygo Delivers Again for His Coach
Despite pressure, Madrid found a way back. Vinícius surged down the left flank. His pace unsettled Jonny repeatedly.
In the 76th minute, the decisive moment came. A low cross found Rodrygo. The finish was assured. It was Rodrygo’s first LaLiga goal since January. The relief was clear. He celebrated towards the bench.
Earlier in the week, Rodrygo had shown public support for Alonso after scoring vs. Manchester City. This goal felt similar in symbolism. Loyalty replaced frustration. Unfortunately, his night ended shortly after. Rodrygo went down holding his leg. Substitution followed quickly.
Therefore, Madrid lost their match-winner. Anxiety returned instantly. The final minutes stretched painfully.
Late Drama and Lingering Doubts
As the clock ticked down, Madrid sought control. Instead, chaos hovered. Alavés pushed for another equaliser.
In the 86th minute, Madrid appealed for a penalty. Vinícius fell under pressure from Nahuel Tenaglia. Referees were unmoved.
VAR reviewed the incident. The decision stood. Protests subsided reluctantly. During stoppage time, Brahim Díaz struck the side-netting. That miss summed up the night. Opportunities existed. Conviction did not.
Eventually, the whistle blew. Madrid claimed the points. Relief outweighed celebration. Nevertheless, context matters. Alavés sit just above the relegation zone. Dominance should have followed. It did not.
What the Result Means Going Forward
Crucially, it could be argued that this victory buys time for Xabi Alonso. It does not erase scrutiny. Performance levels remain under the microscope. Madrid still relies heavily on moments. Structure looks inconsistent. Defensive transitions cause concern.
Mbappé’s fitness will be monitored closely. His importance is obvious. However, dependency grows risky. Rodrygo’s return to scoring helps morale. Yet his injury clouds optimism. Depth may soon be tested again.
Supporters will welcome three points. Analysts will question sustainability. Both views can coexist. From an industry perspective, matches like this influence sentiment around online sports betting, especially regarding Madrid’s short-term reliability and in-play volatility, as well as the future of Alonso.
Ultimately, winning ugly can define seasons. Still, elite standards demand clarity. Madrid currently lacks it.
Pressure has eased slightly. Expectations remain unforgiving. Alonso survives another week, but convincing answers are still required.
