Kylian Mbappé marked his return from injury with a goal as Real Madrid claimed a tense 2-1 away win against Alavés in La Liga on Sunday.
The victory helped reduce the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso after a poor run of results and a midweek Champions League defeat to Manchester City. Real Madrid remain second in the table and are now four points behind leaders Barcelona.
Mbappé, who missed the City match due to knee discomfort, looked uncomfortable early on but quickly became the most dangerous player on the pitch. His persistence paid off in the 25th minute when Jude Bellingham released him through the middle and the French forward fired a powerful shot into the top right corner.
It was Mbappé’s 17th league goal of the season.
Real thought they had doubled their lead shortly after, but Bellingham’s close-range effort was ruled out for handball.
Alavés grew into the game and were rewarded in the 68th minute when Carlos Vicente broke in behind the Madrid defence and finished calmly past Thibaut Courtois to level the score.
With pressure mounting, Real Madrid responded well. Vinícius Júnior burst down the left wing and delivered a low cross that Rodrygo finished from close range to restore Madrid’s lead.
Rodrygo’s goal was his second in two matches after a long goal drought, and Alonso reacted with visible relief on the touchline.
Madrid pushed for a third but were unable to kill off the game, with Vinícius and Bellingham both going close late on. Despite the nervy finish, the win gave Madrid a much-needed boost ahead of the winter break.
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