Real Madrid Break Their Miserable Run Against Alaves But Fail to Ignite the Crowd

Following a dismal run of results throughout April, Real Madrid finally returned to winning form with a narrow 2–1 victory over Alavés on Tuesday night.

The record 15-time European champions were met with a barrage of whistles from the packed white-clad stands at the Bernabéu, still stinging from their Champions League exit the previous week. Álvaro Arbeloa's squad put their heads down and focused on the task at hand, desperate to claim their first win since the March international break.

Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when his effort from just outside the area deflected heavily into the net. Vinicius Junior then added another stunning long-range strike to his growing collection in the 50th minute to extend the lead to 2–0.

Real Madrid lost their concentration in the closing stages, allowing Toni Martínez to pull one back in stoppage time, drawing further jeers from the home supporters. Nevertheless, the three points temporarily cut the gap between themselves and Barcelona to six points, ahead of the Catalans' fixture on Wednesday.

The Problem That Won't Go Away

On the surface, Real Madrid's win looks like precisely the boost the squad required. They ended a month-long winless streak, with both Mbappé and Vinicius Jr finding the net. Arda Güler and Federico Valverde also chipped in with assists, giving the impression of a well-rounded team performance.

However, significant underlying concerns remain that are unlikely to be addressed without meaningful changes in the summer transfer window. The side has now conceded in nine consecutive La Liga outings and continues to appear sluggish in the attacking third.

Arbeloa's men registered zero shots on target in the opening half-hour against a side barely above the relegation zone. Mbappé's opener was the first attempt on goal all night, and it only found the net courtesy of a fortunate deflection. Vinicius Jr doubled the advantage after the break, but that effort was purely a moment of individual brilliance.

Once again, the team was forced to rely on fortune and a moment of Vinicius Jr genius to get on the board. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Güler, and Jude Bellingham all fashioned opportunities that should have been converted, but their teammates in white repeatedly failed to deliver when it counted.

Something must change within this Real Madrid attack, otherwise the club will find themselves without a realistic shot at silverware again next season.

Real Madrid Player Ratings vs. Alavés (4-4-2)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Andriy Lunin—7.6: Appeared uncertain in the opening exchanges and produced two unconvincing stops. Grew more confident as the match progressed, though he was still unable to register his first clean sheet of the campaign.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—7.5: Given the freedom to advance down the right flank without significant defensive responsibilities. Tested his luck in front of goal on multiple occasions, but couldn't notch his first strike in a Madrid shirt.

CB: Éder Militão—7.5: Came close to scoring only to be denied by the crossbar, before being forced off through injury shortly after. Left the pitch under his own steam.

CB: Dean Huijsen—7.8: A composed and assured display. Calm and collected in his own penalty area. Kept Lucas Boyé scoreless and produced several vital blocks to prevent Alavés from finding the net.

LB: Álvaro Carreras—7.7: Rarely called upon defensively, but struggled when he was. Looked uncomfortable when required to recover quickly in transition.

RM: Federico Valverde—8.1: Lively and incisive throughout the evening, earning his reward with an assist on Vinicius Jr's goal. Comfortably got the better of former Castilla player Yusi down the right side.

CM: Jude Bellingham—6.9: Did a fine job dropping into deeper areas to orchestrate attacks before bursting into the box at the right moments. Visibly frustrated when he was substituted just before the hour mark.

CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—7.0: Restored a sense of solidity to Real Madrid's midfield. Operated as the lone anchor, giving his three midfield partners the freedom to advance knowing he was covering behind them.

LM: Arda Güler—8.4: His early-season chemistry with Mbappé was evident once more. He provided the assist for the Frenchman's opener and continued to seek further contributions throughout. Elegant in possession.

ST: Kylian Mbappé—8.8: Benefited from a fortunate deflection to score, but he'll take it. Struggled to make an impact during spells on the left wing. Had some uncharacteristic misses, including a botched chip attempt when clean through on goal.

ST: Vinicius Junior—8.9: Greeted with whistles each time he received the ball, and gave the crowd little reason to relent until after the interval, when he produced a spectacular long-range finish.

SUB: Antonio Rüdiger (45' for Militão)—6.4: Caught out of position for Alavés' consolation goal.

SUB: Franco Mastantuono (58' for Güler)—6.4: Eager to conjure a moment of quality, but failed to deliver.

SUB: Brahim Díaz (58' for Bellingham)—6.5: Squandered a golden chance to convert a superb ball over the top from Rüdiger.

SUB: Eduardo Camavinga (63' for Tchouaméni)—5.9: Unable to replicate the midfield control his compatriot had provided.

SUB: Dani Carvajal (63' for Alexander-Arnold)—6.3: Left Toni Martínez in an onside position, costing Real Madrid their clean sheet.

Subs not used: Sergio Mestre (GK), David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Fran García, Dani Ceballos, Thiago Pitarch, Gonzalo García.

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Real Madrid's Much-Needed Win