Real Madrid secured a narrow 3-2 victory against Alaves in La Liga, but the match raised concerns for Carlo Ancelotti’s team for several reasons.
The match began on a positive note for Madrid, with Lucas Vazquez scoring just 54 seconds into the game after a cutback from Vinicius Junior. They quickly doubled their lead when Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe combined effectively for the second goal. Rodrygo then added a third early in the second half, seemingly sealing a comfortable win before a critical upcoming match against Atletico Madrid.
However, Alaves rallied late, scoring two goals in quick succession after a series of mistakes by Madrid, casting doubt on their performance. There were also worries about Mbappe’s fitness after he exited the match with a potential thigh injury.
A source in the Madrid dressing room commented on the team’s “arrogance” during the game, calling it a “huge shame.” The match marked Ancelotti’s 300th game as head coach for the club, adding another layer to the evening’s significance.
As the match progressed, Madrid appeared to be in complete control, with Endrick nearly scoring a fourth before the mood shifted dramatically. Ancelotti’s decision to substitute Mbappe and Eder Militao to introduce younger players backfired as Alaves capitalized on the changes, quickly scoring two goals.
Despite reassurances that Mbappe was fine after feeling “a little bit overloaded,” his absence for the upcoming match against Atletico now hangs in the balance pending medical assessments.
The match ended with tensions running high, particularly regarding the officiating. Madrid players received the most yellow cards in La Liga this season, primarily for dissent, and the team’s frustration was palpable after the game. The focus now shifts to assessing Mbappe’s injury and preparing for the crucial derby against Atletico.