Real Madrid survives Mbappe red card and narrowly wins

Real Madrid kept their La Liga title hopes alive on Sunday afternoon with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Alavés. despite being reduced to ten men after a reckless red card for Kylian Mbappé just before halftime, los blancos managed to cling on to the narrow lead given to them by Eduardo Camavinga in the first half. The win keeps Carlo Ancelotti’s side within four points of league leaders Barcelona, who had already secured three points on Saturday.

Pressure builds after tough week

Coming off a difficult run of form, Real Madrid entered the match in need of a response. a disappointing 1-2 loss at home to Valencia had widened the gap at the top, and a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal midweek in the Champions League only added to the pressure. with star players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham rested, Ancelotti looked to his supporting cast to deliver. And it was Eduardo Camavinga who stepped up. after a disallowed goal from Raúl Asencio earlier in the half, Camavinga broke the deadlock around the 33rd minute with a clean strike, giving Real Madrid a much-needed lead and the impression of a routine afternoon ahead.

Mbappé sees red before halftime

That optimism didn’t last long. right before the break, Kylian Mbappé made headlines for the wrong reason. the French forward lunged into a reckless, high challenge that left no doubt for the referee — a straight red card. with Madrid forced to play the entire second half with ten men, the match suddenly shifted in tone.

Late red levels the playing field

Fortunately for Real, Alavés failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage. in fact, their own indiscipline cost them dearly. defender Manu Sánchez picked up a red card after a clumsy and dangerous tackle, leveling the teams at ten men apiece with just over 30 minutes remaining. That moment settled Madrid’s nerves, and they managed the remainder of the match well, holding on for the three points.

Title race still on

With the win, Real Madrid stays within striking distance of Barcelona. the Catalan giants remain four points ahead, but with several rounds still to play, the title race is far from over. Real’s resilience in Vitoria may prove to be a turning point, but the loss of Mbappé to suspension could complicate their next fixtures. for now, however, the three points are all that matter — and they’ll take them however they come.