Madrid Edges Alavés in Mendizorrotza Roller-Coaster: Three Lead Changes in One Night

Moyen Score Futmetrix: 44/100. In a night where intensity and momentum swung like a pendulum, Real Madrid proved they have the mettle to win ugly away from home.

The Crunch Match Nobody Saw Coming

Alavés arrived at Mendizorrotza in freefall (form: WLLLW), but Madrid walked into a trap. From the opening whistle, balance was the story: possession split almost evenly (52%-48%), yet Madrid's cutting edge was sharper where it counted. Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 24th minute, courtesy of a precision assist from Jude Bellingham, who orchestrated Madrid's attacking rhythm with two key passes across the evening.

Vicente's Shock: The Turning Point

Then came the twist. In the 69th minute, stakes shifted entirely when substitute Carlos Vicente—introduced just 60 seconds earlier—pounced on an Antonio Blanco assist to haul Alavés level. Suddenly, Madrid were under siege. Alavés cranked the pressure: 11 corners in total (5 for the home side) turned Mendizorrotza into a fortress of defensive intensity, testing Madrid's resolve in ways the scoreline hadn't.

Rodrygo Delivers the Knockout: Drama Ends

When chaos threatened to reign, Rodrygo struck the decisive blow in the 76th minute, assisted by Vinicius Junior. It was the third lead change of the night—and the final one. Madrid fired 11 shots (4 on target); Alavés managed 6 (2 on target). The balance was deceptive: Madrid's dominance lay not in possession but in clinical finishing when it mattered. Position 2, 36 points—Madrid's grip on the title race tightens.