Carlo Ancelotti's side picked up three points in a chaotic contest despite playing for over half of the game with 10 men
Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a horrific challenge, but Eduardo Camavinga spared his blushes as Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win from an ugly game at struggling Alaves. Los Blancos never really convinced – and played over 50 minutes with 10 men – yet still managed to pull out a win.
Madrid never quite established control early on, and looked vulnerable almost immediately. Despite that, Raul Asencio thought he had given the visitors the lead when he met a corner at the far post, but the referee adjudged that he had pushed his man to reach Rodrygo's cross. Camavinga soon broke the deadlock, however, as he evaded a defender before whipping a shot into the far corner from outside the box.
Carlo Ancelotti's side should have cruised thereafter, but Mbappe's horrific challenge – a two-footed stamp on Antonio Blanco – handed the momentum back to the home side.
Still, Alaves never quite capitalised, as while Carlos Vicente offered some attacking ideas off the right, Madrid were otherwise relatively untroubled. The hosts then made it harder on themselves midway through the second half when Manuel Sanchez clipped Vinicius Jr as he ran through on goal – leaving the referee no choice but to show hand him his marching orders.
Madrid could have put the game away for good multiple times as the clock ran down; Jude Bellingham saw a shot well denied, Brahim Diaz came close and Vinicius caused problems, but a second goal never came. Still, Alaves lacked the kind of cutting edge necessary to pull level and amid all of the chaos, Madrid are still in La Liga's title race, remaining four points behind leaders Barcelona.
GOAL rates Madrid's players from Mendizorroza…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Thibaut Courtois (7/10):
Had a couple of saves to make, but was never truly tested.
Lucas Vazquez (6/10):
Put in plenty of legwork, but is clearly the weakness in this Madrid side.
Antonio Rudiger (8/10):
Immense at the back. Won his tackles, shepherded the backline, and assured there wasn't any nonsense.
Raul Asencio (7/10):
Solid at the back. Made a couple of key clearances, good in the air, and never looked particularly troubled.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Held down the left effectively. Engaged in an interesting duel with Vincente and limited his chances.
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Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Made a few good challenges in central midfield. Kept the ball moving.
Eduardo Camavinga (8/10):
Scored a wonderful goal and was scrappy in midfield. This was a messy game and he seemed to relish it.
Federico Valverde (6/10):
Could have really done without playing all 90. Didn't fully look fit – even if his effort can't be questioned.
AFPAttack
Rodrygo (5/10):
Pretty forgettable on the left. Just five touches in the Alaves box.
Kylian Mbappe (2/10):
Made no impact whatsoever and then got sent off for one of the worst tackles you'll see.
Arda Guler (5/10):
Good in moments without being immensely influential. Would be good to see him get some minutes in a game without a silly sending off.
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Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Really important off the bench. Stretched the play, drew a red and created chances.
Jude Bellingham (7/10):
A good shift – full of industry and intent. Really should have scored late on, though.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
A confusing introduction. Madrid needed control and he didn't offer it.
Dani Ceballos (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
Suspended for this one but orchestrated from high up. Didn't get loads out of his team, and will be furious with Mbappe – but it's three vital points in a chaotic title race.