Real Madrid narrow gap on Barcelona with 2-1 win over Alaves
However, a resilient away win has kept Real in the hunt for the top spot.
KATHMANDU: Real Madrid closed the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona to four points after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Alavés.
Coach Xabi Alonso had been under pressure following consecutive defeats to Celta Vigo and Manchester City, with speculation mounting over his future had the team slipped up against Alavés.
However, a resilient away win has kept Real in the hunt for the top spot.
The team had been five points clear after defeating Barcelona in El Clásico at the end of October, but draws against Elche and Rayo Vallecano allowed the Blaugrana under Hansie Flick to reclaim momentum at the top.
Real Madrid took the lead in the 24th minute when Kylian Mbappé finished clinically from a pass by Jude Bellingham.
The goal marked Mbappé’s 17th of the La Liga season and the 70th since joining Real Madrid in July 2024.
Alavés equalized in the 68th minute through Carlos Vicente, who controlled Antonio Blanco’s pass to slot home.
Yet, just eight minutes later, Rodrigo restored Real’s lead with a close-range finish off a Vinícius Júnior assist, a goal that proved decisive.
The win keeps Real Madrid firmly in the title race, maintaining pressure on Barcelona as the season enters its critical phase.
