Real Madrid beat Alaves despite Kylian Mbappe's red card to keep pace with Barcelona in LALIGA title race.
In a match in which both teams were far from impressive, Real Madrid managed to squeeze past Alaves with a 1-0 victory despite playing more than half the game with ten men.
Eduardo Camavinga gave Los Blancos the lead in the 34th minute, and it seemed like the start of many before Real Madrid were reduced to ten men after a terrible tackle from Kylian Mbappe on Antonio Blanco.
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Key match details
Alaves failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage before they received a red card of their own when referee Juan Martinez Munuera showed Manu Sanchez red for a poor tackle on Vinicius,
Alaves began strongly, playing on the front foot in the opening exchange, but they failed to create a clear chance. The champions gradually took control, with Rodrygo forcing a save from Jesus Owono, and Raul Asencio nearly scoring from the resulting corner. The Spaniard found the back of the net, but his attempt was ruled out by VAR.
The hosts' wastefulness was punished in the 34th minute when Eduardo Camavinga's clever combination with Arda Guler led to a stunning curling effort that gave the Madrid-based club the lead.
Just five minutes later, the game took a dramatic turn when Mbappe was sent off for a reckless challenge on Blanco. Despite the man advantage, Alaves struggled to create clear chances in the second half, with Garcia and Carlos Vicente wasting opportunities.
Alavés' advantage was wiped off in the 70th minute as Vinicius Junior was fouled by Manu Sanchez, resulting in another red card. Despite the numerical equality, Real Madrid failed to add to their lead.
The goal was enough to clinch maximum points for Real Madrid, and it helped them cut the deficit on Barcelona back to four points, after the Blaugrana made it seven yesterday with the victory at Leganes.