Real Madrid CF kept their slim title hopes alive in the La Liga on Tuesday night with a 2–1 win over Deportivo Alavés at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring on the half-hour mark, netting his 24th league goal of the season after a deflected effort wrong-footed the Alavés goalkeeper. It was his first league goal since early February.
Vinícius Júnior doubled Madrid’s lead early in the second half with a powerful strike from distance, giving the hosts control of the match after a tense opening period.
Alavés, who had entered the match unbeaten in four games and battling relegation, continued to press and were rewarded deep into stoppage time when Toni Martínez scored a late consolation goal.
The result ended a two-match winless run in La Liga for Madrid and reduced the gap at the top to six points behind leaders FC Barcelona, who face RC Celta de Vigo on Wednesday.
Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa stressed the importance of maintaining focus in the closing stretch of the season, saying the team’s objective is to win all remaining matches rather than dwell on external pressure.
Madrid also face concerns over injuries, with Éder Militão forced off in the first half after hitting the crossbar during an attacking move.
Despite the win, there were moments of frustration at the Bernabéu, with Alavés creating several chances and the home side requiring late defensive resilience to preserve their lead.
Elsewhere in La Liga action, Real Betis came from behind to beat Girona FC 3–2, with Rodrigo Riquelme scoring the decisive goal. Athletic Club defeated CA Osasuna 1–0 thanks to a first-half strike from Gorka Guruzeta, while RCD Mallorca and Valencia CF played out a 1–1 draw.
