Real Madrid avoid late scare to beat Alaves and keep pressure on Barcelona

Real Madrid avoid late scare to beat Alaves and keep pressure on Barcelona

Faruq Ibrahim 22:04 - 24.09.2024

Alaves scored two late goals but Real Madrid had enough cushion to survive with three points.

Real scored early and then on either side of the break. They looked set to coast to victory, but a late Alaves flurry made the closing proceedings more uncomfortable than they would have hoped, but they had done enough to seal a 3-2 victory.

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Lucas Vazquez gave Los Blancos the early lead, signalling a comfortable outing. Kylian Mbappe then scored just before half-time, and Rodrygo upon resumption.

However, Alaves gave their travelling supporters hope and something to cheer with two late strikes from Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia.

key match details

Real Madrid burst out of the gates, with Vinícius's electrifying run down the flank culminating in a pinpoint cross for Lucas Vazquez to convert inside 55 seconds. This blistering start set the tone for a dominant first half, capped off by Kylian Mbappe's majestic strike five minutes from the interval.

Mbappe's goal was the culmination of a well-worked team build-up and individual skill on show. The Frenchman released Jude Bellingham with an audacious flick before collecting the return pass, shed his markers with a deft shoulder feint, and fired past Antonio Sivera.

The second half began at a more leisurely pace, but Rodrygo's explosive acceleration soon ignited the contest. Collecting a loose ball, the Brazilian outpaced his pursuers and drilled a low shot through Antonio Sivera's legs.

The comfortable afternoon was soon disrupted by Alavés's late resurgence. Carlos Benavidezi's strike from distance got Alaves on the scoresheet, and Kike García's clever finish suddenly made an improbable comeback plausible. 

Though six minutes of stoppage time fuelled Basque hopes, Real Madrid ultimately secured victory, staying within touching distance of early pacesetter Barcelona.

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