(Video) Real Madrid beat Alaves 2-1: Los Blancos survive test to revive title chase | OneFootball

Alonso’s side bounce back in La Liga title race

(Video) Real Madrid beat Alaves 2-1: Los Blancos survive test to revive title chase

Real Madrid rediscovered their winning touch on Sunday night after edging Deportivo Alaves 2-1 away from home in Matchday 16 of the 2025 /26 La Liga season.

Under the guidance of head coach Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos showed resilience and attacking quality to secure three vital point closing the gap on league leaders Barcelona and bouncing back from two winless outings.

The visitors took the lead midway through first half through their talisman Kylian Mbappe who opened the scoring in the 25 minute.

The French forward collected the ball inside the penalty area, weaved past his marker, and calmly finished with the inside of his foot, leaving the Alaves goalkeeper with no chance.

Moments later Jude Bellingham thought he had doubled Madrid’s advantage but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Courtois keeps Madrid ahead before the Break

Alaves pushed for equaliser late in first half and came agonisingly close just seconds before the interval.

However Thibaut Courtois produced superb save to preserve Real Madrid’s lead heading into the dressing room.

Alaves strike back as VAR Intervenes

Real Madrid continued to threaten after the restart, with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior both denied by impressive saves from the Alaves goalkeeper in the 52 minute.

The hosts eventually found their breakthrough in the 68 minute when Carlos Vicente scored the equaliser. The goal had been disallowed but VAR intervened to confirm its validity reigniting the competition on the pitch.

Rodrygo delivers the winning Goal

Madrid responded positively and regained the lead in the 76 minute. A dangerous cross from Vinicius Junior found Rodrygo who finished first time to restore Real Madrid’s advantage.

The Brazilian winger was later forced off with injury in the 83 minute.

Late drama & Referee decisions

Real Madrid appealed for penalty late on after Vinicius Junior went down inside the area in the 86 minute but both the referee and VAR waved away the claims.

Despite late pressure from Alaves, Los Blancos held firm to secure important away victory.

Mbappe named Man of the Match

Kylian Mbappe was deservedly awarded Man of the Match after his influential display. The French striker’s goal took his tally to 17 league goal strengthening his position in the La Liga scoring race.

What the Result means?

The win also ends Real Madrid’s two-match winless run following draws against Celta Vigo in La Liga & Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League.