Real Madrid's Resilience Shines as Alaves Falls Short in a Hard-Fought Battle

Real Madrid's victory over Alaves underscores their ability to grind out results despite recent struggles. The match at Estadio Mendizorrotza showcased a team that, while not at their best, found a way to secure three crucial points. This win propels Real Madrid to 36 points, solidifying their position in the title race, while Alaves remains in 11th place with 18 points, still searching for consistency.

Kylian Mbappe continues to be the heartbeat of Real Madrid's attack. His opening goal in the 24th minute was a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence, marking his 20th goal of the season across all competitions. Despite a recent dip in form, where he struggled to convert chances against Manchester City and Celta Vigo, Mbappe's ability to find the net when it matters most remains unchallenged. His partnership with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo has been pivotal, with Rodrygo also finding the back of the net against Alaves, showcasing the depth of talent within this squad.

Alaves displayed resilience but ultimately fell short in execution. Their recent form had shown promise, particularly with a solid victory against Real Sociedad just days prior. However, they struggled to translate possession into meaningful chances against Real Madrid. Despite leading in ball possession (51%) and total passes (270), their inability to create high-quality opportunities was evident. The expected goals (xG) statistic of 0.58 compared to Real Madrid's 0.32 highlights their struggle to convert possession into scoring threats.

Lucas Boyé's presence up front remains crucial for Alaves. He has been a consistent performer, contributing significantly to their attacking play. However, the lack of support from midfielders like Denis Suarez and Antonio Blanco limited his effectiveness against a well-organized Madrid defense. Alaves' reliance on Boyé to create chances without sufficient backing from midfielders has been a recurring theme in their matches this season.

Real Madrid's defensive unit showed signs of vulnerability but held firm when it counted. The backline, led by Antonio Rüdiger, faced pressure but managed to contain Alaves effectively. The match statistics reveal that both teams had one shot on target each, indicating that while Alaves had moments of pressure, they failed to capitalize on them. The defensive solidity of Real Madrid, combined with Courtois' crucial saves, ensured that they maintained their lead.

Alaves' tactical setup under Eduardo Coudet has its merits but needs refinement. The 4-1-4-1 formation allowed them to maintain some control in midfield, yet it often left them exposed on the counterattack. Their inability to transition quickly from defense to attack hindered their chances of equalizing after Vicente's goal in the 69th minute. While they managed to score and briefly shift momentum, they could not sustain it against a more experienced side.

Real Madrid's recent form has been a mixed bag, but this victory could be a turning point. After suffering back-to-back defeats, including a disappointing loss to Celta Vigo, this win provides a much-needed boost in confidence. The team's ability to respond positively under pressure is crucial as they prepare for their next match against Sevilla. The upcoming fixture will test their resolve further and determine if they can build on this momentum.

Alaves must regroup quickly as they face Osasuna next. With only five wins this season, consistency is key for them to avoid slipping further down the table. Their recent performances suggest potential, but they need to convert that into points consistently. The challenge lies in finding a balance between defensive stability and attacking threat.

The match highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both teams. Real Madrid's experience and depth allowed them to secure a vital win despite not being at their best, while Alaves continues to grapple with inconsistency and missed opportunities. As the season progresses, both teams will need to adapt and refine their strategies if they hope to achieve their respective goals.

This clash serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of La Liga. While Real Madrid is expected to dominate against lower-ranked teams, Alaves proved they can compete when organized and focused. The narrative of resilience versus expectation will continue to unfold as both teams navigate the challenges ahead in this competitive league.

In summary, Real Madrid's ability to secure points amidst adversity speaks volumes about their character as title contenders. Meanwhile, Alaves must harness their potential and convert it into tangible results if they wish to climb the standings and avoid relegation battles as the season progresses.