Real Madrid narrowly escaped a dramatic comeback by Alavés, securing a 3-2 victory in LaLiga. Despite leading comfortably with goals from Lucas Vazquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo, Madrid faced a tense finale as Alavés scored twice in the closing minutes. The match also featured a controversial moment when Endrick, a Madrid substitute, was only shown a yellow card for a foul that many believed warranted a red. Additionally, Mbappé's early exit due to discomfort raised concerns about his fitness.
In a thrilling LaLiga encounter, Real Madrid managed to hold off a late charge from Alavés to secure a 3-2 win at home. The game saw Madrid's frontline shine with goals from Lucas Vazquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo, but it ended in a nerve-wracking finish as Alavés nearly overturned a three-goal deficit in the final minutes. The match was not without controversy, with a potential red card incident involving Madrid's Endrick, and concerns over Mbappé's fitness after he requested to be substituted.
Real Madrid quickly took control of the game, with Vazquez scoring within the first minute. Mbappé and Rodrygo added to the tally, setting a comfortable lead. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 88th and 89th minutes as Alavés' Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia scored, putting Madrid's win in jeopardy. Despite dominating most of the match, Madrid's defense faltered late, leading to a tense conclusion where they barely managed to secure all three points.
The match was further marred by controversy when Madrid's substitute Endrick was involved in a foul late in the game. Alavés' coach Luis García expressed disbelief that Endrick was not sent off for his challenge, which could have changed the dynamics of the game as Alavés was mounting their comeback. This incident has sparked discussions on refereeing standards and the consistency of card issuance in crucial game moments.
Adding to the drama, star forward Kylian Mbappé had to be substituted off after experiencing discomfort, raising concerns about his fitness. Coach Carlo Ancelotti later confirmed that Mbappé requested the substitution to avoid further complications, with tests planned to assess his condition. This development is crucial for Madrid, especially with the upcoming fixtures, including a high-stakes derby against Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid's victory over Alavés highlighted their offensive strengths but also exposed vulnerabilities that nearly cost them the match. The controversy surrounding Endrick's foul and Mbappé's potential injury adds layers of concern as the team prepares for upcoming challenges. As Madrid continues to chase Barcelona in the LaLiga standings, the team's ability to address these issues will be critical in their quest for the title.
"It's a shame that, with the performance that we were putting throughout the match it had to finish the way that it did. We didn't deserve this ending, with the game we had played, but let's look on the bright side: we did a lot of things right." - Lucas Vazquez