A 2-1 win away at Alavés in La Liga’s Round 16 may not have dazzled fans, but it eased the mounting pressure on Real Madrid. The performance was far from convincing, yet in the current climate, three points matter more than applause. With Xabi Alonso under intense scrutiny after a string of poor results, Rodrygo’s timely strike arrived as a moment of salvation, preventing the team from sliding deeper into crisis.
From the outset, Madrid played cautiously, their tension visible in every touch. Kylian Mbappé squandered two early chances before finally converting Jude Bellingham’s incisive through ball with a curling finish. It was a rare glimpse of Los Blancos playing at their expected level.
But the lead brought little comfort. Madrid’s lack of cohesion and fragile defense allowed Alavés to grow into the game. Only a brave, instinctive save from Courtois—using his face at the end of the first half—kept the scoreline intact. Madrid were ahead, but the advantage felt precarious.
The second half followed the same troubling pattern. Opportunities came, yet Madrid failed to kill off the contest. Their hesitation was punished when Alavés equalized through a long ball that sliced open the defense, with VAR confirming the goal. It was a stark reminder of Madrid’s vulnerability.
Just as the visitors began to unravel, Rodrygo stepped forward. Without theatrics, the Brazilian positioned himself perfectly to slot home Vinicius Junior’s low cross. A simple finish, but one that revealed the instincts of a player who knows how to decide matches.
The closing minutes were nerve-wracking. Madrid lacked the authority to dominate and the sharpness to secure the win early. Still, they held firm until the final whistle.
This victory at Mendizorrotza does not prove Madrid are stable—it merely shows they have avoided a deeper collapse. For Alonso, the three points are less a triumph than a breath of air, buying him precious time to repair a squad still riddled with flaws
