Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu, ending a troubling four-game winless streak amid mounting pressure from a recent Champions League exit. The result provides timely relief for a squad that had struggled to regain its footing, lifting the team to within six points of league leaders FC Barcelona with six matches left. While the performance exposed vulnerabilities, the three points preserve fading title aspirations in a fiercely competitive season.
Early Struggles Reflect Broader Form Dip
Deportivo Alavés arrived with clear intent, generating promising chances that tested Real Madrid's resolve from the outset. The home crowd grew restless as the hosts labored to establish rhythm, a pattern echoing the disappointments of recent outings. This discomfort stemmed from a collective failure to convert possession into sustained threat, highlighting deeper issues in cohesion following the European setback. Such early lapses underscore how even elite squads falter when confidence wanes under scrutiny.
Mbappé and Vinícius Deliver Pivotal Moments
Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, his shot deflecting past the goalkeeper for a crucial opener. The French forward, atop the scoring charts yet goalless in the league since February, seized a rare opportunity amid personal drought. Vinícius Júnior then extended the advantage early in the second half with a forceful long-range effort, his emotional celebration signaling defiance against recent critiques. These interventions shifted momentum, demonstrating individual brilliance as a counter to team-wide inconsistencies.
Late Drama Tests Resolve in Stoppage Time
Alavés refused to yield, with Toni Martínez pulling one back deep into added time to ignite a frantic finish. The concession forced anxious defending, exposing gaps in concentration during supposed security. This nervy conclusion, though ultimately endured, serves as a caution against complacency even with a cushion. Real Madrid's ability to hold firm preserved the victory, but the episode reveals persistent risks in closing out encounters.
Title Pursuit Hangs in Balance
The points haul narrows the gap to Barcelona, injecting life into a campaign that had teetered on the brink. Six fixtures remain, each now carrying amplified weight in a tight race. Beyond the immediate boost, the outcome reaffirms latent quality under duress, though flawless execution remains elusive. For Real Madrid, sustaining this momentum demands addressing early frailties and late vulnerabilities to mount a credible challenge.