Full Breakdown
Rodrygo's Late Goal Secures Vital Win for Real Madrid Against Alavés
12/16/2025, 12:03:41 AM
Match Overview
Real Madrid achieved a crucial 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alavés at the Estadio Mendizorroza on December 14, 2025, in a La Liga match that momentarily alleviated pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 24th minute, but Alavés equalized through Carlos Vicente in the 69th minute. Rodrygo scored the decisive goal in the 76th minute, restoring Madrid's lead and securing three points.
Key Moments and Performance
Real Madrid started the match with an aggressive approach, with Mbappé showcasing his skills early on. After receiving a pass from Jude Bellingham, he cut inside and scored with a powerful shot. However, Madrid struggled to maintain control, allowing Alavés to grow into the game. Vicente's equalizer came after he capitalized on a defensive lapse, initially ruled offside but confirmed as a goal following a VAR review.
Rodrygo's winning goal came from a well-executed counter-attack led by Vinícius Júnior, who provided a low cross for Rodrygo to finish from close range. This marked Rodrygo's first La Liga goal since January, ending a long drought. Despite the victory, Madrid's performance raised concerns, as they appeared vulnerable, especially in defense.
Tactical Analysis
Xabi Alonso's squad faced challenges due to injuries, necessitating the debut of 19-year-old Víctor Valdepeñas at left-back. The team's tactical setup aimed to leverage its offensive strength, featuring a front line of Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham, and Rodrygo. However, the lack of defensive stability was evident, as Alavés exploited gaps and maintained pressure throughout the match.
Official Statements & Responses
In his post-match comments, Xabi Alonso emphasized the importance of the victory, stating, "It was a hard-fought match... we created scoring chances. The second goal then gave us this three-pointer." He acknowledged the need for improvement in game control and praised the team's resilience under pressure.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the win, analysts noted that Madrid's performance was lackluster and lacked fluidity. Critics pointed out that the team has yet to establish a consistent identity under Alonso, with some suggesting that the victory was more a result of individual brilliance than cohesive team play. The pressure on Alonso remains, as reports indicated that anything less than a win could jeopardize his position.
What's Next
With this victory, Real Madrid remains in second place in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona. The team will need to build on this success to regain momentum and confidence as they prepare for upcoming fixtures. The performance against Alavés highlighted both the potential and the ongoing challenges facing the squad as they aim for consistency in their league campaign.
