Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga with a crucial 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday evening. The result ends a frustrating four-game winless run for Carlo Ancelotti's side, though they remain six points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race with the season entering its final stretch.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a clinical finish after a brilliant through ball from Jude Bellingham split the Alavés defence wide open. The French superstar showed his trademark pace to race clear before slotting the ball past the goalkeeper with composure and precision. It was exactly the kind of moment Madrid needed after weeks of stuttering performances that had put their title hopes in serious jeopardy.
Vinícius Jr doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a spectacular solo effort, cutting inside from the left flank and curling a magnificent shot into the far corner. The Brazilian winger has been in sensational form throughout the campaign and his goal appeared to put the result beyond doubt, giving the Bernabéu faithful reason to celebrate after a difficult period for the club.
However, Alavés refused to go quietly and pulled one back through Toni Martínez deep into stoppage time, adding a nervy finish to proceedings. The visitors had shown admirable fighting spirit throughout the match and created several chances that could have changed the complexion of the game entirely. Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into two outstanding saves during the second half to preserve his team's lead.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Athletic Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Osasuna in a tightly contested Basque-Navarrese affair. Mallorca and Valencia played out a 1-1 draw at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, while Girona fell 3-2 to Real Betis in an entertaining five-goal thriller at Montilivi that delighted the neutral supporters watching across Spain.
The results leave Real Madrid in second place, still trailing Barcelona by six points with seven matches remaining. Ancelotti acknowledged the importance of ending the winless streak but stressed that his team must maintain consistency if they are to mount a serious late challenge for the championship. The Italian manager pointed to injuries and fixture congestion as factors behind their recent dip in form, but insisted his squad has the quality and depth to finish the season strongly.
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