Rodrygo rescues Real Madrid with winner against Alavés

Brazilian forward Rodrygo spared Real Madrid further disappointment by scoring the winning goal in a 2–1 victory away to Deportivo Alavés in La Liga, sending the Spanish giants back to winning ways.

Real Madrid, who had been under pressure following consecutive defeats in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, opened the scoring in the first half through a superb goal from French star Kylian Mbappé.

However, resilient Alavés equalized in the second half via Carlos Vicente in the 68th minute. The visitors regained the lead eight minutes later after a rapid counterattack led by Vinícius Júnior, whose decisive pass was converted by Rodrygo.

With this victory, Real Madrid maintained second place in the standings with 39 points, four behind leaders Barcelona, while Alavés remained 12th with 18 points.

The hard-fought win also provided Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso with much-needed breathing space, having recorded only two victories in his previous eight matches across all competitions.

Match highlights

Despite taking the lead in the 24th minute through Mbappé, Alavés grew into the match, buoyed by strong home support at the Mendizorrotza Stadium. The Frenchman’s opener came after he controlled a long pass from Jude Bellingham, surged down the left flank, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner from the edge of the box.

Nevertheless, Alavés dominated large spells of the first half, pressing a Real Madrid defense that was missing several key players. One notable moment was the surprise inclusion of 19-year-old Víctor Valdepeñas, a graduate of the club’s academy, who made his first senior appearance at left-back.

Alavés’ pressure paid off in the 68th minute when substitute Carlos Vicente capitalized on a long pass from Antonio Blanco, broke beyond Madrid’s high defensive line, and fired into the top corner. The goal was initially ruled out for offside before being awarded following a VAR review.

The decisive moment arrived when Vinícius beat his marker on the left and drove into the penalty area before delivering a cross that Rodrygo converted, marking his second goal in as many matches after a lengthy drought.

After the match, Alonso said: “It was a very difficult and competitive game. We started well and took the lead, but then we lost control and didn’t finish the first half in an acceptable way. We had chances in the second half, but we conceded from Valdepeñas’ only mistake, which Carlos Vicente punished after a great pass.

“The team kept fighting, competed strongly in a very tough stadium against an extremely stubborn opponent. The second goal earned us the three points, and we leave very happy.”