Rodrygo clinches tight Real Madrid victory over Alaves

Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes delivered Real Madrid a nailbiting 2-1 triumph against Alaves in La Liga on Sunday, possibly safeguarding manager Xabi Alonsos position.

Madrid in second place reduced the gap to summitdwelling Barcelona to four points, securing just their third success in nine outings across various tournaments.

Following a home loss to Manchester City in the Champions League midweek, reports in Spanish outlets suggested that failure to win would lead to Alonsos dismissal.

Mbappes excellent strike put them ahead, yet Carlos Vicente equalised for Alaves post interval, before Rodrygo guaranteed the away side a vital result at Mendizorroza.

"This was a fiercely contested match, we fought strongly, took the lead, then somewhat forfeited our grip," Alonso commented to the press.

"Alaves bring high energy, making it tough to hold sway the entire time. Our aim was to claim the points here, and we achieved that with three."

The manager reiterated, as post City match, his backing from the team.

"We stand united. A single fixture wont shift the momentum," he added.

"Prior to the winter pause, theres a cup fixture Wednesday, plus a home league encounter upcoming."

Alonso reintegrated star Mbappe after the Frenchman sat out the City reverse from the sidelines due to knee pain.

He also gave a first outing to Victor Valdepenas at left defence, with Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia banned, and Ferland Mendy among multiple absentees through injury.

Mbappe seemed troubled by his knee and limping early on, yet emerged as the contests standout performer regardless.

The attacker saw an effort deflected away, then blazed just high, while Alaves dropped back to repel the 15fold European winners.

When Mbappe netted in the 25th minute, his unease appeared resolved.

Sent clear by Jude Bellingham, Mbappe surged forward and curled a finish into the upper right angle for his 17th topflight strike this season.

Bellingham, the England midfielder, rifled in from near but the effort was disallowed for handling.

Alaves pushed forward in response, seizing initiative pre halftime and nearly tying matters.

Madrids keeper Thibaut Courtois blocked superbly with his noggin, though unaware much, repelling Pablo Ibanez up close.

Intense contest

The Whites threatened shortly after restart, Alaves stopper Antonio Sivera thwarting Mbappe and subsequently Vinicius Junior effectively.

Those opportunities haunted Madrid when Vicente levelled for Alaves on 68 minutes.

The attacker slipped past Antonio Rudiger, settled ex Madrid man Antonio Blancos lofted ball, and rifled beyond Courtois.

Eduardo Coudets team nearly nosed ahead as Vicentes driven delivery from the flank was prodded astray by Toni Martinez, unbalanced by Raul Asencios nudge.

Rather, Madrid regained the lead, Vinicius raiding leftward and supplying Rodrygo to tap home from six yards.

This marked the Brazilians second in successive matches after a 32 game dry spell, with an exuberant Alonso rejoicing, aware his tenure might hinge on it.

Vinicius penalty claims were dismissed after tumbling under Nahuel Tenaglias tackle, and Bellingham threatened late as Madrid sought a buffer without success.

"I reckoned it was obvious spotkick, Vini building pace, clear touch... Im astonished VAR skipped it," Alonso remarked.

Villarreal in third had their trip to Levante delayed due to weather alerts in Valencia area.

Real Oviedo, bottom at 19th, dismissed boss Luis Carrion following a 4-0 thrashing at Sevilla.

Saturday saw titleholders Barcelona overcome Osasuna 2-0 for a seventh consecutive La Liga win, confirming table topping into 2026 irrespective of pre break finale outcomes.