Real Madrid Edges Alavés 3-2 in Thrilling Santiago Bernabéu Clash: Match Highlights and Analysis

Real Madrid Triumphs Over Alavés in a Thrilling 3-2 Victory at the Santiago Bernabéu

In a La Liga clash full of drama and excitement, Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Deportivo Alavés on September 24, 2024. Playing at their iconic home, Santiago Bernabéu, Los Blancos initially looked set for a comfortable win, but the visiting side pushed back in a nerve-racking second half, almost snatching an unlikely point.

First-Half Dominance by Real Madrid

Right from the kickoff, Real Madrid looked sharp, dominating possession and creating early chances. Their aggressive start paid off when Lucas Vázquez opened the scoring, setting the tone for what seemed like a one-sided contest. The Bernabéu crowd erupted as Kylian Mbappé doubled Madrid’s lead shortly after, marking his sixth goal of the season. Mbappé, one of the most anticipated signings of the summer, has lived up to expectations, proving why he is regarded as one of the best forwards in the world.

By the end of the first half, Real Madrid was comfortably ahead 2-0, and Alavés looked overwhelmed by Madrid’s firepower. The home side showcased fluid attacking football, with Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior stretching the Alavés defense, while players like Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni controlled the midfield with ease【6†source】【7†source】.

Rodrygo Adds to Madrid’s Lead

The second half began with the same tempo, and within minutes, Real Madrid extended their lead to 3-0, courtesy of a brilliant strike from Rodrygo. Assisted by Lucas Vázquez, Rodrygo’s goal appeared to have sealed the fate of the game. The young Brazilian winger continues to rise in stature, and his combination of speed, technical skill, and decision-making has made him a key figure in Madrid’s attack this season.

Alavés’ Late Comeback

At 3-0 down, most fans and pundits thought the game was over, but Alavés had other ideas. In the last 15 minutes of the match, the visiting side made a spirited comeback. First, Carlos Benavídez stunned the Madrid defense with a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box in the 84th minute. Just minutes later, Kike García found the back of the net, making it 3-2 in the 85th minute.

Alavés suddenly looked like they could salvage a point from a game where they had been largely outplayed. The tension at the Bernabéu was palpable as the visitors launched waves of attacks in the dying minutes, but Real Madrid’s defense, led by Éder Militão and Jesús Vallejo, held firm. Despite the pressure, Madrid managed to see out the remaining time, securing a vital win【6†source】【7†source】.

Kylian Mbappé’s Impact and Ancelotti’s 300th Victory

One of the biggest talking points from this match was Kylian Mbappé’s continued excellence. The French superstar has been in scintillating form, and this match was no different. His pace, intelligence, and finishing ability were on full display, contributing a crucial second goal that put Madrid in a commanding position early in the match.

The win also marked a personal milestone for manager Carlo Ancelotti, who celebrated his 300th victory as Real Madrid’s coach. Ancelotti’s experience and tactical expertise were evident throughout the match, particularly in how he handled Alavés’ late surge. Substitutions like bringing on Luka Modric and Endrick at crucial moments helped stabilize the team when things were getting frantic【7†source】.

Alavés’ Brave Fight

While Real Madrid came away with the three points, Alavés deserves credit for their never-say-die attitude. Even when trailing by three goals, they never gave up, and their late double strike added significant pressure on the home team. Carlos Benavídez and Kike García were the standout performers for the visitors, and both players showed excellent composure to bring Alavés back into the game.

Although they couldn’t complete the comeback, this performance will give Alavés confidence moving forward. If they can show the same fight and determination in future matches, they are sure to cause problems for other La Liga opponents【6†source】.

Looking Ahead for Real Madrid

This victory is crucial for Real Madrid as they continue their chase for the La Liga title. Currently, they are neck and neck with their fierce rivals Barcelona at the top of the table. With Mbappé in red-hot form and young talents like Bellingham and Rodrygo stepping up, Real Madrid looks poised to be serious contenders for both domestic and European glory this season.

However, the match also highlighted areas where Madrid need to improve. Their inability to maintain defensive solidity in the final stages of the game is a concern that Ancelotti will need to address. The injury to Vinícius Júnior, who had to be substituted late in the game, adds further complications, as the Brazilian winger is a vital part of Madrid’s attacking setup【7†source】.

Conclusion

Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Alavés was a thrilling spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. While Los Blancos dominated large portions of the game, Alavés’ late resurgence added drama and showcased the unpredictable nature of football. Kylian Mbappé’s brilliance, Rodrygo’s attacking flair, and Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen were key factors in Madrid’s success, but the visitors’ brave fight deserves just as much praise.

For Real Madrid, the focus now shifts to building on this momentum as they aim for another La Liga title, while Alavés will take heart from their spirited performance as they look to climb the league standings in the weeks to come.