Rodrygo Rescues Madrid in Thrilling Vitoria Comeback

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, SPAIN — Second-place Real Madrid desperately needed three points to keep pace in the title race, while 11th-placed Alavés sought a statement victory that could propel them up the table. The visitors secured a dramatic 1-2 victory at Mendizorrotza Stadium, but not before the Basque side threatened one of the season's biggest upsets.

Kylian Mbappé struck first in the 24th minute, rifling a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the top right corner after Jude Bellingham orchestrated a devastating fast break. The French superstar's clinical finish seemed to set Madrid on course for a comfortable evening. However, Carlos Vicente had other plans, equalizing in the 68th minute with a spectacular right-footed effort from the centre of the box that nestled in the top right corner, Antonio Blanco's perfectly weighted through ball splitting the Madrid defense. Just when Alavés dared to dream, Rodrygo delivered the crushing blow in the 76th minute, converting from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner after Vinícius Júnior's pace terrorized the home defense on another lightning-quick counter-attack.

The tactical battle raged fiercely in midfield, where Antonio Blanco and Denis Suárez battled tirelessly against Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni. Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera produced heroics throughout, making crucial saves to deny both Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in the 53rd minute. At the other end, Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger stood firm for Madrid, though they were tested repeatedly by Lucas Boyé's physical presence.

Despite Alavés controlling 52.1% of possession, Madrid proved more clinical with their opportunities, registering 6 shots on target compared to the hosts' 2. The visitors managed 13 total shots to Alavés' 12, while both sides committed 13 fouls in a feisty encounter that saw 7 yellow cards brandished.

The turning point arrived in the 67th minute when Alavés manager Luis García made a triple substitution, introducing Carlos Vicente, Carles Aleñá, and Toni Martínez. Vicente's immediate impact with the equalizer transformed the atmosphere, but Madrid's experience in crucial moments ultimately proved decisive when Rodrygo struck eight minutes later.

A nervy final 10 minutes saw Ander Guevara and Abde Rebbach collect yellow cards as Alavés desperately sought another equalizer, while Bellingham nearly sealed the victory with two close-range efforts that Sivera brilliantly saved in the 90th minute.

Looking ahead, Alavés will travel to face Osasuna on December 20, while Real Madrid host FC Twente on December 17.