Real Madrid secured a narrow 3-2 victory against Alaves in La Liga, but the match raised concerns for coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team. The match began in promising fashion, with Rodrygo scoring in the 48th minute to extend the lead to 3-0. However, Madrid was left in a tense situation as Alaves netted two late goals, turning what seemed like a comfortable win into a nerve-wracking finale, compounded by a potential injury to star player Kylian Mbappe.
Despite the initial momentum, a source from the dressing room commented on the team’s overconfidence, labeling it a significant regret. The match started positively for Madrid, with Lucas Vazquez scoring just 54 seconds into the game following a cutback from Vinicius Junior. The crowd erupted when Vinicius’s name was announced, as he is regarded as a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or this year. His impressive stats this season include three goals and six assists across nine games.
Jude Bellingham’s impressive interplay with Mbappe led to the second goal, showcasing a fluid 26-pass sequence, the longest La Liga goal combination so far this season. However, after Rodrygo’s goal, which put Madrid on the brink of their next match against Atletico Madrid, events took an unexpected turn.
The night marked Ancelotti’s 300th game in charge of the club, but the atmosphere soured after he substituted Mbappe and Eder Militao late in the match. Ancelotti’s concern for Mbappe was evident as he checked on the Frenchman’s condition, who had previously been a pivotal player, starting every match of the season. Post-match, Ancelotti confirmed Mbappe had minor issues but did not appear seriously injured at that point.
In the closing minutes, Madrid’s defense faltered, allowing Alaves to score twice in quick succession after a series of poor passes from the home side. The game’s intensity shifted, and the coaching staff acknowledged the need for better management during substitutions.
Despite initial plans for youth player Jacobo Ramon to debut, Ancelotti opted for experience, bringing on Fran Garcia instead. Tensions escalated further, with players and staff expressing frustration over the officiating, particularly regarding the discrepancy in yellow cards issued.
Madrid is currently the most carded team in La Liga this season, with many cards shown for dissent, a sharp contrast to their disciplinary record last season. Fans protested against the referees, but inside the locker room, the focus remained on assessing Mbappe’s condition and preparing for the crucial match against Atletico.
The match served as a reminder for the team to stay grounded, with sources noting the importance of mental resilience heading into the next game.