Carlo Ancelotti’s team was perhaps fortunate to emerge victorious after a disappointing second half, following a remarkable first half.

In a fraught 3-2 victory over Alaves, Real Madrid began in style before concluding in uncertainty. Los Blancos were in full control for 45 minutes, with the Vinicius Jr-Kylian Mbappe-Rodrygo trio combining to secure a 3-0 lead for the host team. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s team nearly collapsed as a result of two late Alaves goals, which made the game more intriguing.

The Madrid opener was a surprise, as Lucas Vazquez swept Vinicius’ cutback into the bottom corner. Mbappe scored his second goal shortly before halftime, and his effortless finish was facilitated by a swift exchange with Jude Bellingham, Los Blancos’ significant summer acquisition.

Rodrygo scored the third goal shortly after halftime by slipping one through the keeper’s knees after evading two Alaves defenders with ease. Within minutes of entering the match, Endrick’s deflected shot ricocheted off the post, narrowly missing the opportunity to score a fourth goal.

Nevertheless, Alaves persisted. Carlos Protesoni was the first to seize the ball, curling it off the post from outside the box. Two minutes later, veteran Kike Garcia added a second, establishing a tense conclusion. However, Los Blancos managed to maintain their lead, thanks to some shrewd defending, securing a victory that was anything but 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.