The Santiago Bernabéu is rarely a place of patience, and Tuesday night was no exception. In their first outing since a painful Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid did just enough to quiet the dissent, securing a 2-1 victory over a resilient Alaves.
The win effectively ends a four-game winless streak across all competitions and moves Alvaro Arbeloa’s side within six points of leaders Barcelona, at least until Hansi Flick’s men take the field against Celta Vigo on Wednesday. While the three points offer a mathematical lifeline in the title race, the atmosphere in Madrid remains fragile, characterized by early-game whistles and a palpable sense of anxiety in the stands.
For a team accused of living in the past in recent weeks, it was the current superstars who decisively provided the answers.
Mbappe’s breakthrough: In the 30th minute, the league's leading scorer ended a dry spell dating back to February. His 20-yard effort took a wicked deflection to fool Antonio Sivera, providing the release valve a nervous Bernabeu desperately needed.
Vinicius apology: After being targeted by jeers from a section of the home support, Vinicius Junior responded with a signature 25-yard strike in the 50th minute. His subsequent gesture, raising his hands in a silent apology to the stands, turned whistles into applause, signaling a temporary truce between the star and the fans.
With Real Madrid facing the prospect of just their fifth season without silverware this century, the scrutiny on manager Alvaro Arbeloa is intensifying. Even with the win, a late defensive lapse that let Toni Martinez score in stoppage time triggered a new round of boos at the final whistle.
The goal is to win all [six games left], regardless of what happens. Every game counts. Vinicius puts in a tremendous effort, carrying the team on his shoulders. He never hides. He feels a deep connection to the club, and I’m happy when the fans reward him with applause.
Álvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid Coach
While the attack found its rhythm, the defense remains a concern. Andriy Lunin was forced into several key saves to deny Martinez earlier in the match, and the woodwork rescued Madrid twice when Victor Parada and Martinez both struck the post.
The most significant blow, however, came just before half-time. Eder Militao was forced off with an injury, and while the club suggests it is not serious, any long-term absence would leave an already scrutinized backline further exposed as they prepare for the second El Clasico of the season in May.
150 club: Eduardo Camavinga recorded his 150th win with Real Madrid, though even he was not immune to the crowd's frustration during the opening stages.
Mbappe's tally: The Frenchman now sits on 24 league goals, maintaining his lead in the race for the Pichichi.
Alaves' struggle: The visitors have now won only one of their last nine matches, leaving them teetering just a single point above the relegation zone.
"Zero trophies" shadow: Unless Madrid can hunt down Barcelona, this will join the 2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10, and 2020-21 campaigns as the only trophyless seasons for the club in the 21st century.
Real Madrid have successfully stopped the bleeding, but the wound remains open. The victory over Alaves was a necessary exercise in result-gathering, yet the lack of rhythm following Arbeloa’s late substitutions and the defensive lapses at the death suggest a team still reeling from their European exit. For now, they rely on a Barcelona slip-up; otherwise, the trip to Real Betis on Friday will feel less like a chase and more like a stay of execution.
