Kylian Mbappé was once again on the scoresheet as Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu, ending a brief winless run in La Liga.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the first half with his league-leading 24th goal of the season. His effort from outside the box took a deflection, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and giving Madrid the lead after half an hour. It was also his first league goal since early February, marking a return to form after a quiet spell partly affected by injury.
Vinícius Júnior doubled Madrid’s advantage early in the second half with a powerful long-range strike, a goal that proved crucial as Alavés pushed back strongly in search of a result.
The visitors, who had been unbeaten in their previous four matches and are battling relegation, threatened several times. They eventually pulled one back in stoppage time through Toni Martínez, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
Madrid had earlier survived several scares, with Alavés hitting the post and testing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin on multiple occasions. The home side also suffered a setback when defender Éder Militão was forced off injured after striking the crossbar in the first half.
The win lifts Real Madrid back within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are set to play Celta Vigo. However, concerns remain at the club following their recent Champions League exit and inconsistent league form, which has raised pressure on manager Álvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa, however, insisted his focus remains on results rather than personal scrutiny, stressing the importance of winning their remaining fixtures as the season approaches its decisive stage.
Elsewhere in La Liga action, Real Betis claimed a 3-2 comeback win over Girona, Athletic Bilbao edged Osasuna 1-0, and Mallorca played out a 1-1 draw with Valencia.
