Kylian Mbappé returned from knee discomfort to score as Real Madrid edged Alavés 2-1 at Mendizorrotza, a result that could help preserve coach Xabi Alonso’s job. Mbappé’s opener and a late finish from Rodrygo delivered only Madrid’s third victory in nine matches across all competitions and cut leaders Barcelona’s advantage to four points.
Spanish media had suggested Alonso faced severe consequences after Wednesday’s Champions League defeat by Manchester City, with anything less than a win said to threaten his position. The coach was able to reintroduce Mbappé after the forward watched the City game from the bench, and he also handed a first-team start at left-back to Víctor Valdepeñas amid suspensions to Álvaro Carreras and Fran García and injuries to others, including Ferland Mendy.
Mbappé looked to be feeling his knee in the opening minutes, limping briefly, but he quickly became the match’s defining figure. He had an early effort deflected wide and another narrowly over before breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute. Released by Jude Bellingham, Mbappé surged through and curled a shot into the top-right corner for his 17th league goal of the season.
Bellingham then had a strike ruled out for handball after the ball hit his arm. Alavés grew into the game and threatened before half-time, with Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois somehow diverting a close-range Pablo Ibáñez attempt with his head.
After the interval, Alavés keeper Antonio Sivera denied chances from Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. The home side were rewarded for their pressure when Carlos Vicente ran behind Antonio Rüdiger, controlled a chipped pass from former Madrid midfielder Antonio Blanco and fired past Courtois to level in the 68th minute. Alavés almost went ahead moments later when Toni Martínez’s low effort was diverted wide.
Madrid regained the lead when Vinícius burst down the left and picked out Rodrygo, who finished from six yards. The goal was the Brazilian’s second in as many games after a 32-match drought and prompted an emphatic celebration from Alonso on the touchline. Vinícius had a penalty appeal turned down and Bellingham came close in stoppage time, but Madrid held on.
Elsewhere, Villarreal’s trip to Levante was postponed because of a weather warning in the Valencia region, and Real Oviedo sacked coach Luis Carrión after a 4-0 defeat at Sevilla. On Saturday, Barcelona beat Osasuna 2-0 to extend their winning run to seven league games and ensure they will lead the table into 2026.