Real Madrid relieve pressure on Alonso with vital win over Alaves | OneFootball

Real Madrid eased the pressure on Xabi Alonso by grinding out a vital 2-1 victory away to Deportivo Alaves to close the gap on the La Liga leaders.

The win was badly needed after successive defeats and ensured Los Blancos avoided a damaging third loss in a week.

Alonso arrived at the Estadio de Mendizorroza under scrutiny with Madrid having won only twice in their previous seven matches.

They began purposefully and threatened early through Kylian Mbappe as the visitors looked to settle quickly.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Jude Bellingham slipped a pass into the left channel and Mbappe cut inside before curling an unstoppable finish into the top corner.

It was the France forward’s 17th league goal of the campaign and a reminder of his ability to decide tight games.

Madrid thought they had doubled their advantage soon after but Bellingham’s finish was ruled out for handball after controlling Arda Guler’s cross.

Alaves grew into the contest late in the first half and enjoyed more territory without forcing clear openings.

The visitors pushed for control after the restart as Federico Valverde fired narrowly wide and Antonio Sivera produced a fine double save to deny Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

Madrid’s failure to extend their lead proved costly in the 68th minute when substitute Carlos Vicente latched onto Antonio Blanco’s long pass and finished clinically past Courtois.

The equaliser briefly reignited the tension around Alonso’s side as Alaves sensed an opportunity.

Madrid responded with urgency and restored their lead eight minutes later through their Brazilian connection.

Vinicius burst down the left and delivered a low cross that Rodrygo finished from close range to make it 2-1.

The goal steadied Madrid and shifted the momentum back in their favour.

Late chances for Bellingham and Brahim Diaz went close as Madrid looked to put the result beyond doubt.

Alaves were unable to mount a sustained response and Madrid managed the closing stages with greater composure.

The final whistle brought visible relief for Alonso as his side claimed a third win in nine competitive matches.

The result moves Madrid to within four points of leaders Barcelona and keeps them firmly in the title race.

With Sevilla next up at home the victory offers breathing space and a platform to rebuild confidence.