After a brilliant first half, Carlo Ancelotti’s team had a subpar second, so it may have been lucky for them to win.

Real Madrid defeated Alaves 3-2 in a tough match that they started brilliantly and ended uncertainly. Los Blancos dominated for forty-five minutes, with the Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrigo trio swarming to a 3-0 lead for the home team. However, two late goals from Alaves made it an entertaining game and nearly caused Carlo Ancelotti’s team to crumble. Unexpectedly, Lucas Vazquez scored the first goal for Madrid when he swept Vinicius’ cutback into the bottom corner. Soon before halftime, Mbappe doubled the score with a brief exchange with Jude Bellingham, setting up an easy finish for the huge summer signing for Los Blancos. Shortly after the break, Rodrygo scored the third goal, slipping one past the keeper’s legs after eluding two Alaves defenders with far too much ease. Shortly after joining the game, Endrick nearly added a fourth as his deflected attempt ricocheted off the post. Alaves persisted, nevertheless. Carlos Protesoni seized the initial opportunity, twisting one away from the post from beyond the box. Two minutes later, veteran Kike Garcia added another, setting up an exciting conclusion. But Los Blancos managed to hang on, thanks to some astute defence, to win a match that was far from straightforward.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (5/10):

.

 

Nothing to do until the 85th minute, when he was beaten by a long range strike. Couldn’t stop the second either.

Lucas Vazquez (5/10):

Scored the opener with a smart finish. Gave it away for the Alaves first, and could have been tighter on the second.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

A few nice bursts of pace halted opposing attacks. Can’t be blamed for either goal, really.

Eder Militao (7/10):

Spent most of his time passing the ball sideways, and had very little defensive work to do. Madrid were markedly worse at the back when he went off.

Ferland Mendy (6/10):

Went about his usual shielding role with aplomb. His defensive cover allowed Vinicius to do all of the fun attacking things.

 

 

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Recycled possession and passed it forward when he needed in the first half – probably his best 45 minutes of the season. Followed it with an unsteady second.

Federico Valverde (8/10):

Never stopped running. Won the ball deep, got involved in the final third. A fine shift.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Held onto the ball for too long at times, but was more decisive when it mattered. Combined wonderfully with Mbappe for the second. Less effective – and perhaps a bit tired – in the second half.

 

Attack

Vinicius Jr (8/10):

Spent most of the game making opponents look very silly. Assisted the opener. Unlucky not to grab a goal of his own.

Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

Was a more willing runner than in past weeks. Took advantage of the acres of space offered to him by opposing defenders. Dropped deep and connected well, when needed. Much, much better.

Rodrygo (8/10):

Held width, stayed patient, got his goal. Did some important defensive work, too. Still playing out of position, but was incisive when it counted.

 

Subs & Manager

Endrick (5/10):

Hit the post within minutes of coming on. Could have been sent off for a reckless kick.

Luka Modric (5/10):

Lacking defensively, didn’t add much going forward.

Jesus Vallejo (3/10):

A rare appearance to give Militao a rest. Had a nightmarish 15 minutes.

Arda Guler (N/A):

Made a couple of vital defensive interventions late.

Fran Garcia (N/A):

Late legs for Vini.

Carlo Ancelotti (5/10):

What a confusing one! His side were rampant in the first half, but so, so poor after the break. A few more minutes on the clock and they really could have throw it away. He won’t be happy whatsoever.