Real Madrid returns to winning ways
after a four-match winless streak across all competitions (three defeats and a draw), defeating Deportivo Alavés 2-1 on Tuesday in the 33rd round of La Liga. This victory temporarily reduces the gap to six points behind league leaders and defending champions Barcelona.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the 30th minute with a right-footed shot from outside the box. The ball deflected off defender Jonny Otto before nestling in the bottom right corner of the net, past goalkeeper Antonio Severa, who was rooted to the spot.
Vinicius Junior doubled Real Madrid's lead in the 50th minute with a powerful shot from outside the area that found the back of the net to Severa's right.
Alavés pulled a goal back in stoppage time (90+3) through Toni Martínez, who backheeled in from close range after substitute Ander Guevara's long-range effort.
Real Madrid now have 73 points. In contrast, Alaves remained frozen at 33 points in 17th place, just above the relegation zone, and may drop further in the standings pending Elche's (32 points) match against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.