Mbappe Returns, Real Madrid Seals a Tense 2-1 Win at Alaves
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Alaves, with Kylian Mbappe marking his comeback with a decisive impact and helping ease the mounting pressure on coach Xabi Alonso. The French forward, who had been sidelined by a groin issue, reappeared in the lineup and immediately reminded fans why Madrid invested heavily in his return. Rodrygo Goes was on target as well, providing the other goal and keeping Madrid in the title chase as Barcelona’s league lead remained a challenge in the distance.
Mbappe’s Return: A Boost for Madrid’s Attacking Machine
Mbappe’s return was more than a moment of excitement for the stands; it injected rhythm into Real Madrid’s attacking play. The French striker linked up with Vinícius Junior and Rodrygo, creating dangerous opportunities and stretching Alaves’ defensive lines. His movement off the ball created space for teammates and offered Madrid a different dimension in the final third. The goal-scoring sightlines were evident: Mbappe pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box, guiding it past the Alaves keeper with calm precision.
Rodrygo Seals the Moment, But the Evening Belonged to the Team Effort
Rodrygo’s contribution extended beyond the goal, with intelligent runs into channels and quick one-touches that kept Alaves under pressure. For the home side, the match was a test of resilience; they defended stoutly and occasionally countered with pace. Yet Madrid’s tempo — especially in the second half — showed that with Mbappe back, they can revert to the high-pressing, quick-transition style that has characterized their best performances this season.
Alaves Fight, Real Madrid Show Resolve
Alaves, fighting for survival in La Liga, pushed Madrid to the limit. They pressed high and disrupted rhythmic build-ups, forcing Madrid to react quickly and adapt their approach. In a match where margins were razor-thin, Real Madrid demonstrated patience and discipline. The late-stage pressure from the visitors kept Alaves pegged back, with the ball pinging around the box before the decisive finish arrived.
What This Means for Xabi Alonso
The win strengthens Real Madrid’s position in the title race and slightly eases the scrutiny on Xabi Alonso. With Barcelona maintaining a solid lead, every league result carries weight for a coach whose tenure has been under intense scrutiny from supporters and pundits alike. The comeback victory, powered by Mbappe’s return and the dual threat of Madrid’s attacking trio, helps restore confidence around the Santiago Bernabéu corridors. A successful run of results would not only boost morale but also reassure stakeholders that the project is on track.
Looking Ahead: Madrid’s Path in La Liga
Real Madrid will aim to capitalize on the momentum gained in this fixture, particularly with Mbappe fully integrated back into the squad. The team will look to sustain their momentum in the league while balancing Champions League ambitions. As Barcelona’s advantage remains, Madrid’s focus sharpens on consistency, efficiency in the final third, and the health of their key players. If Mbappe continues to reproduce the form shown at Alaves, Real Madrid can become a formidable challenger over the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Mbappe’s return to action at Alaves provided Real Madrid with a much-needed lift, translating into a win that eases pressure on coach Xabi Alonso. While the title race remains tight and the calendar unforgiving, Madrid showed they can grind out results when their star forwards are in top form. The question now is whether this performance marks a turning point in Madrid’s season — a moment where Mbappe’s presence, combined with a disciplined structure, can drive them back into serious contention for silverware.
