Real Madrid beat Alaves to keep La Liga title race alive

KATHMANDU: Real Madrid secured a 2–1 victory over Deportivo Alavés on Tuesday, closing the gap to league leaders FC Barcelona to six points in the La Liga title race.

Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior powered Madrid to victory at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a clinical finish, marking his 24th league goal of the season.

Early in the second half, Vinícius doubled the lead, converting a precise assist from Federico Valverde for his 12th goal of the campaign.

Alavés pulled one back late through Toni Martínez, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

The win ends Madrid’s brief winless run in the league and keeps their title hopes alive.

Barcelona, who have a game in hand, can restore a nine-point lead if they beat Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

Madrid, currently second with 73 points, still have a crucial El Clásico clash against Barcelona in May.

Meanwhile, Alavés remain 17th with 33 points.

Next, Madrid face Real Betis away on Friday, while Alavés will take on RCD Mallorca a day later.