Alaves vs Real Madrid 0-1 Highlights, Camavinga Stunning Goal, Mbappe Red Card & Player Ratings | La Liga 2024/25

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Alaves vs Real Madrid, Real Madrid escaped from a tricky away game at Deportivo Alaves with a narrow 1-0 win, keeping their title hopes alive despite a shocking red card for Kylian Mbappe. In a match filled with tension, drama, and questionable decisions, Eduardo Camavinga was the hero as Madrid stayed close behind Barcelona in the La Liga table.

A Scrappy Start and Disallowed Goal

From the opening minutes, Real Madrid struggled to control the game. Alaves, battling relegation, came out with energy and looked dangerous in attack. Madrid thought they had taken the lead early when Raul Asencio headed in from a corner, but the goal was ruled out after VAR spotted a push in the box. The decision kept the game level and raised the pressure.

Camavinga Scores a Beauty

The breakthrough finally came in the 34th minute. Eduardo Camavinga picked up the ball outside the box, took on a defender, and curled a stunning shot into the far corner. The young Frenchman’s goal was the highlight of the match and gave Madrid the much-needed lead.

Mbappe’s Nightmare Moment

Just as things were starting to settle for Madrid, disaster struck. Kylian Mbappe, who had a quiet night overall, made a reckless two-footed challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco. The referee showed him a straight red card, leaving Madrid with 10 men for more than half the game.

It was a moment of madness from the French superstar, and many questioned his decision-making. With important matches coming up, his suspension could not have come at a worse time.

Second Half, More Drama and Missed Chances

Despite being a man down, Madrid looked better after halftime. Alaves failed to take advantage of the extra player, and their attacks lacked the quality to trouble Thibaut Courtois. Carlos Vicente was one of the few Alaves players who showed creativity, but the Madrid defense, led by Antonio Rudiger, stayed strong.

The numbers were evened up again midway through the second half when Alaves’ Manu Sanchez brought down Vinicius Jr as he was running through on goal. The referee had no choice but to show a red card, and both teams were now down to 10 men.

Madrid Pushes for a Second

Real Madrid had several chances to seal the game in the final stages. Jude Bellingham came close with a powerful shot, Brahim Diaz had an effort saved, and Vinicius Jr caused all kinds of problems after coming off the bench. Still, they couldn’t find the second goal.

However, Alaves didn’t do enough to equalize either. Their lack of attacking threat meant Madrid held on to all three points, even with a man down.

Important Win in Title Race

This win was vital for Real Madrid. After back-to-back losses against Valencia in La Liga and Arsenal in the Champions League, they needed a result to boost morale. With Barcelona beating Leganes 1-0, Madrid had no room for error.

The result keeps Real Madrid just four points behind the league leaders with seven games remaining. While the performance wasn’t perfect, the character shown by the players, especially in tough moments, could prove crucial in the title race.

Alaves vs Real Madrid, Player Ratings:

• Eduardo Camavinga (8/10): Man of the match. Scored a brilliant goal and worked tirelessly in midfield.
• Antonio Rudiger (8/10): Rock-solid in defense. Cleared everything and kept the backline organized.
• Kylian Mbappe (2/10): One of the worst games in his Madrid career. A dangerous tackle led to a red card and could’ve cost the team the match.
• Thibaut Courtois (7/10): Safe hands when needed. Made routine saves and stayed calm under pressure.
• Vinicius Jr (7/10): Came off the bench and made an instant impact. Earned a red card for the opposition and created chances.
• Jude Bellingham (7/10): Looked sharp in midfield. Missed a golden chance late in the game.

Carlo Ancelotti Watches from the Stands

Due to a suspension, Carlo Ancelotti was not on the bench. His son and assistant, Davide Ancelotti, managed the team from the sidelines. Despite the chaos, the coaching staff managed the situation well and guided the team to a valuable victory.

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Final Thoughts

Real Madrid didn’t play their best football, but they fought hard and got the result they needed. With the title race heating up and Barcelona still leading, every point counts. The red card for Mbappe was a setback, but the team’s response showed maturity and resilience.

They now prepare to face Arsenal in the Champions League second leg, hoping to overturn a 3-0 deficit. The journey continues, and if Camavinga and others keep stepping up, Madrid’s dream of another league title is still very much alive.