Mbappe struck in the 24th minute. He collected a pass from midfielder Jude Bellingham after forward Rodrygo stole possession. Mbappe drove forward on the left, beat one defender and curled the ball into the top corner from just inside the penalty area. The goal marked Mbappe’s 70th for Real Madrid across all competitions.
Real Madrid dominated the opening stages. Mbappe tested the goalkeeper twice more in the first 10 minutes, but Alaves held firm until halftime.
However Alaves responded after the break. Midfielder Carlos Vicente leveled the score in the 68th minute. He controlled a through ball with skill, advanced into the box and beat goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The goal survived a brief offside check and lifted the home crowd at Mendizorrotza Stadium.
Then forward Rodrygo restored Madrid’s lead in the 76th minute. Forward Vinicius Junior beat his marker on the left and delivered a low cross. Rodrygo finished from close range to end his long La Liga goal drought. The strike proved decisive.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso praised the team’s effort afterward. He said, “We are together in this. We keep fighting in the good and the bad moments. The team competed well today. We started well and came away with the three points. It’s fundamental to be united. It’s the only way to remain solid and improve day-by-day.”
The result lifted Real Madrid within four points of league leaders Barcelona. Defender Antonio Rudiger reached his 100th La Liga appearance for the club while teenager Victor Valdepeñas made his debut at left back. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois recorded his 200th win in 310 games for Madrid.
