Real Madrid’s latest encounter with Alavés was nothing short of a spectacle, showcasing moments of brilliance from Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé. However, what looked like a comfortable win for Los Blancos turned into a nervy ending, as Alavés threatened to pull off an unexpected comeback in the dying minutes. Despite being 3-0 up until the 84th minute, Real Madrid found themselves defending desperately to hold onto their lead, eventually securing a 3-2 victory. Let’s dive into the details of this thrilling match that nearly spiraled out of control.
Vinicius the Game-Changer
It took all of 55 seconds for Vinicius to make his mark. The Brazilian winger, who seemed to have regained his blistering form, left Alavés’ defense scrambling with his explosive pace. In a dazzling display, he breezed past Mouriño, reached the byline, and delivered a perfect assist for Lucas Vázquez, who slotted home with the confidence of a seasoned striker. Vázquez’s goal set the tone for what appeared to be a dominant display by Madrid in the first half.
Vinicius’ impact cannot be understated—his ability to dictate the pace of the game from the left wing makes him a constant threat. Whether he’s cutting inside or hugging the touchline, defenders seem helpless against his acceleration and skill. While Vinicius often operates in isolation, his individual brilliance forces the entire opposition to recalibrate, freeing up space for his teammates. Even when surrounded by defenders, as was the case with Mouriño and Novoa, Vinicius found a way to torment Alavés, proving once again that when he’s in the mood, no plan can effectively contain him.
Mbappé’s First Goal, but Madrid’s Worries Grow
The match wasn’t just the Vinicius show, however. Kylian Mbappé added his own flair to the proceedings, marking his first official goal for Real Madrid in spectacular fashion. Mbappé’s strike, a powerful shot from the edge of the box, sent the crowd into raptures. His goal epitomized the French forward’s growing influence in Madrid’s attack, further solidifying his partnership with Vinicius.
Mbappé’s goal also represented more than just a statistical achievement—it was a sign of his growing comfort within the team. Alongside Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, who shrugged off concerns about his shoulder injury to deliver a solid performance, Mbappé adds an extra dimension to Madrid’s attacking options. Valverde, with his relentless energy, and Rodrygo, who is steadily improving, have helped form a formidable unit that finally resembles a team worthy of the title contenders they’re expected to be.
But just as the fans were settling in for a comfortable win, cracks began to show.
Alavés Fights Back
Despite being down 3-0 with only six minutes of regular time remaining, Alavés refused to go quietly. A quick goal from a defensive lapse opened the door for what seemed like an improbable comeback. By the 89th minute, Alavés scored again, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and turning what should have been a cruise into a battle for survival for Madrid.
Suddenly, a match that had been firmly in Madrid’s control was anything but. With Alavés throwing everything at Madrid in the final moments, the defending champions found themselves pinned back, desperately trying to keep the ball out of their net. The energy of Alavés, combined with Madrid’s fatigue, almost led to disaster. Madrid fans could be forgiven for reliving the anxieties of previous games, as their team seemed moments away from a complete collapse.
Inzaghi’s Warning Comes True
Real Madrid’s coach, Simone Inzaghi, had warned his players before the game not to let their guard down, despite their dominance in recent derbies. His words seemed prophetic as Alavés almost managed to snatch a point from a match they were supposed to have lost.
Madrid’s tendency to switch off in the closing stages of games has been a recurring theme this season. Inzaghi’s focus on improving the team’s finishing and game management is now more critical than ever, as these moments of complacency could prove costly as the season progresses.
What’s Next for Madrid?
With a crucial derby against Atletico Madrid on the horizon, Madrid cannot afford another lapse in concentration like this. Their form may have picked up in recent weeks, but performances like this serve as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done.
Vinicius’ return to top form is a massive boost, and with Mbappé now finding the back of the net, Madrid’s attack looks sharper than ever. However, Inzaghi must ensure that his side remains focused for the full 90 minutes, especially when facing tougher opponents in La Liga and the Champions League.
FAQs
Despite dominating for 80 minutes, Madrid’s defense crumbled in the final stages, allowing Alavés to score two quick goals and come close to equalizing.
Vinicius Jr. set up Lucas Vázquez for the first goal, Kylian Mbappé added the second, and Federico Valverde rounded off the scoring.
While Madrid’s attack looked dangerous with Vinicius and Mbappé, their defense showed vulnerability in the final moments. They’ll need to stay focused as they head into bigger matches.
Real Madrid will face Atletico Madrid in the next round of La Liga, and they will need to shore up their defense to avoid a repeat of this near-collapse.
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alavés was a tale of two halves—a first filled with dominance and a second marked by defensive frailty. While the likes of Vinicius and Mbappé gave Madrid fans plenty to cheer about, the late comeback from Alavés left lingering questions about the team’s concentration and defensive resilience. Inzaghi will need to address these issues quickly, especially with a tough schedule ahead. For now, though, Madrid can breathe a sigh of relief as they continue their chase for the La Liga title.
