Mbappé and Rodrygo Fire Real Madrid to Victory Over Alaves, Ending Two-Game Losing Run

Key Takeaways:

• Real Madrid secured a 2:1 away win at Alaves, halting a two-match losing streak across all competitions
• Kylian Mbappé (24′) and Rodrygo (76′) netted for Madrid, while Carlos Vicente (68′) equalised for the hosts
• The result allowed Madrid to narrow the gap to leaders Barcelona from 7 points to 4 after 16 La Liga rounds

Match Overview

Real Madrid claimed a hard-fought 2:1 triumph over Alaves during the 16th round of La Liga, putting an end to a sequence of two consecutive defeats. The win came courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo, while Carlos Vicente levelled the score for Alaves before the visitors responded decisively.

With Los Blancos trailing Barcelona by 7 points ahead of kick-off, the victory proved vital, as the margin at the top was reduced to 4 points. Alaves, who had enjoyed a rest in midweek and were in strong form, missed the chance to draw closer to European qualification places after narrowly failing to claim a point at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

🏁 FT: @Alaves 1-2 @RealMadridEN
⚽ 24' @KMbappe
⚽ 69' Carlos V.
⚽ 76' @RodrygoGoes
👉 @Emirates pic.twitter.com/6Gsot3MNSz

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 14, 2025

Beside the problems in defence, where 19-year old Victor Valdepenas made his official debut, Real Madrid had a nearly full-strength squad to choose from, thanks to the return of four previously doubtful players. Mbappé shook off a muscle issue to start, joined in the eleven by Federico Valverde and Antonio Rüdiger. Head coach Xabi Alonso ultimately decided to leave Hausen on the bench.

First-Half Action and Key Incidents

The hosts signalled their intent with an early attacking move, but it was ruled out for offside, prompting a swift counter-attack from Real as Mbappé forced a corner. Alaves’ Victor Parada quickly received a yellow card for a forceful foul in the sixth minute, setting a physical tone for the match.

Mbappé showcased his scoring prowess in the eighth minute, narrowly missing the target while under close attention. Valverde then set up Rodrygo for a dangerous effort, but the Brazilian fired wide. Alaves responded by applying sustained pressure and winning a corner in the 18th minute, but an error soon after gifted Madrid the opening goal: Jude Bellingham’s rapid pass released Mbappé, who finished confidently on 24 minutes.

Madrid’s intensity nearly brought a second less than four minutes later, as Bellingham found the net only for referee Victor Garcia to disallow the goal due to handball by the English midfielder. Unfazed, Alaves created a handful of half-chances, with Parada sending a shot just wide in the 31st minute, while Calebe’s through ball was intercepted by a Real defender late in the half.

Real almost conceded in first-half stoppage time after a chaotic sequence inside their penalty area, but keeper Thibaut Courtois inadvertently thwarted Pablo Ibáñez’s attempt, ensuring the visitors led at the interval.

Second Half: Alaves Respond, Madrid Prevail

Alaves came out positively after the restart, as Rebás powered a header narrowly wide. Real went close themselves through Vinícius Júnior in the 52nd minute, but Antonio Sivera produced a fine save to keep Alaves within reach. Lucas Boyé threatened an equaliser soon after as the teams exchanged attacking spells.

The pivotal moment arrived in the 68th minute following a defensive mix-up by Madrid that allowed Carlos Vicente to break clear and place his shot past Courtois. The goal initially faced uncertainty, but VAR confirmed the effort was valid, sparking celebrations among the home support.

Alaves almost turned the contest in their favour via Antonio Blanco, whose big chance went begging in the 73rd minute. Minutes later, Madrid punished the miss as Vinícius crafted an incisive move down the flank before finding Rodrygo, who made no mistake finishing into the unguarded net in the 76th.

Madrid managed the closing stages effectively, protecting their lead while Alaves struggled to muster a response. Vinícius was denied a penalty late on after going to ground theatrically, with VAR and the referee siding with the hosts to avoid further drama.

Statistical Summary