Real Madrid Edge Alavés 2–1 to Return to Winning Ways in La Liga
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory away at Deportivo Alavés today in Matchday 16 of the 2025-26 La Liga season, providing a much-needed boost to their title ambitions following recent inconsistent form. The win, at the Estadio de Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, saw Los Blancos come from behind to claim all three points thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo.
The result was Real Madrid’s first in several games, snapping a brief run of poor results that had seen them struggle in both domestic and European competitions. Heading into this fixture, Los Blancos had managed only two victories in their last eight matches, with narrow defeats and draws raising questions about manager Xabi Alonso’s long-term prospects at the club.
Madrid started brightly, with their star forward Kylian Mbappé drawing first blood in the 24th minute. The French international, who has been Real Madrid’s most potent attacking threat this season, found the back of the net with a composed finish after good build-up play from the midfield, putting the visitors ahead. His strike was greeted with relief from the away supporters, and it briefly calmed the nerves around a squad that had endured mounting pressure in recent weeks.
However, Alavés refused to surrender their home advantage. In the 68th minute, Carlos Vicente drew the hosts level with a well-taken finish that restored parity and ignited the Mendizorroza crowd. The equaliser showcased Alavés’ resilience and reminded Real Madrid of the threat posed by lower-placed teams willing to fight for every point on home soil.
With momentum swinging in favour of the hosts, Real Madrid responded quickly. Just eight minutes after conceding, Rodrygo regained the lead for the visitors with a decisive strike in the 76th minute. The Brazilian attacker found space in the box and clinically converted a right-footed effort to put Los Blancos back ahead. Rodrygo’s goal proved decisive, illustrating his importance to Real Madrid’s attacking dynamics and proving the difference in a close contest.
The remainder of the match saw Real Madrid defend resolutely, absorbing pressure from Alavés and closing out the game with discipline. The victory lifts Real Madrid to 36 points, keeping them firmly placed in the upper reaches of the La Liga table, although still trailing leaders Barcelona.
This result is significant for Real Madrid as they seek to regain consistency ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures. Following recent setbacks — including a home defeat in the UEFA Champions League — this La Liga victory should help restore confidence within the squad and buy Alonso some breathing room amid scrutiny over his tactical decisions and team selection.
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