Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to 39 matches with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Kylian Mbappé continued his impressive form, scoring his seventh goal in nine matches for Madrid in all competitions.
Mbappé’s goal in the 40th minute was a thing of beauty. The French forward started a give-and-go with Jude Bellingham with a heel flick, then picked up the pass inside the area and used a nifty move to clear a defender before finding the net.
Lucas Vázquez and Rodrygo also scored for Madrid, while Carlos Benavídez and Kike García netted for Alaves in the final minutes. Despite the late surge, Alaves couldn’t find the equalizer and Madrid moved within one point of league leader Barcelona.
Mbappé’s goal was his fifth in La Liga, one behind leading scorer Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona. The France star, who signed as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, also had a goal disallowed for offside in the 22nd minute.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti used most of his regular starters and did not immediately rotate his squad despite a congested schedule. Vázquez started as a right back in place of regular starter Dani Carvajal, who was rested with fitness issues.
Teenage Brazil forward Endrick replaced Rodrygo in the 69th minute, his earliest appearance off the bench, and a couple of minutes later struck the post from inside the area.
Madrid’s next match is the city derby against Atletico Madrid at Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium.
