Importance Score: 5 / 100 🟠
Real Madrid Secure Narrow Victory Over Alavés Amidst Red Card Drama
Real Madrid battled to a 1-0 victory against Alavés in a tightly contested La Liga match, a game marked by dismissals for both sides. Kylian Mbappé’s rash challenge resulted in a red card, placing Real Madrid under pressure in the second half against the relegation-battling Alavés. Despite being reduced to ten men, the visitors held on, securing three crucial points thanks to Eduardo Camavinga’s first-half goal.
Camavinga’s Curler Decisive
Eduardo Camavinga’s moment of brilliance in the 34th minute proved to be the difference. The midfielder unleashed an exquisite curling shot from outside the penalty area, finding the net and giving Real Madrid the lead. This followed an earlier disallowed goal for Raúl Asencio, which was overturned by VAR due to an infringement in the build-up.
Mbappé Sent Off, Sánchez Follows
The complexion of the game shifted dramatically when Mbappé was shown a straight red card before halftime for a forceful tackle on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco. However, parity in player numbers was restored in the second half after Alavés’ Manu Sánchez received a red card for a similar foul on Vinícius Júnior. Referee César Soto Grado issued both dismissals, contributing to a feisty encounter.
Ancelotti Watches From Stands
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was absent from the bench due to suspension, serving a touchline ban after accumulating his fifth yellow card in the previous match against Valencia. Instead, his son and assistant coach, Davide Ancelotti, took charge of the team from the sidelines, while the senior Ancelotti observed from the stands.
VAR Cancels Asencio’s Opener
Early in the match, Raúl Asencio believed he had opened the scoring for Real Madrid, heading home from a corner in the 19th minute. However, after consultation with VAR, the goal was disallowed. The review determined that Asencio had used an Alavés defender for leverage while jumping, and Antonio Rüdiger was also adjudged to have impeded goalkeeper Jésus Owono in the same passage of play.
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Camavinga’s Strike Gives Real Lead
Undeterred by the disallowed goal, Real Madrid continued to press, and their breakthrough arrived courtesy of Camavinga. Following a neat exchange with Federico Valverde, Camavinga struck a precise shot inside the left post, marking his first league goal since March 2022.
Ten-Man Madrid Hold Firm
The match took a turn when Mbappé’s dismissal in the 38th minute reduced Real Madrid to ten players. Initially booked, the referee upgraded the yellow card to a red after reviewing the VAR monitor for the challenge on Blanco. Alavés capitalized on their numerical advantage after the interval, dominating possession and testing Real Madrid’s defense. Carlos Martín forced a save from Thibaut Courtois with a low drive from distance during a period of sustained pressure from the home side.
Late Drama and Equal Numbers
Despite Alavés’ pressure, the game eventually became ten versus ten after Sánchez’s red card for a foul on Vinícius Júnior. Late in the game, Alavés goalkeeper Owono denied Jude Bellingham from close range, preserving the single-goal deficit but ultimately unable to prevent Real Madrid from clinching the victory.
Ancelotti Addresses Mbappé’s Red Card
Speaking after the match, Davide Ancelotti addressed Mbappé’s sending off. “Kylian is not a violent player; he apologised and recognises his mistake,” Ancelotti stated. “It was a clear red card, and he has faced the consequences. I believe the accumulation of minor fouls against him may have caused him to react in that manner, which is not the right way. I am not excusing his actions, but I believe that is the underlying reason.”
Atalanta Boost Champions League Hopes in Serie A
In Italy’s Serie A, Atalanta returned to winning form with a 2-0 victory against Bologna, a result that significantly strengthens their pursuit of Champions League qualification. After suffering three consecutive defeats, this win offers relief to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and propels Atalanta up to third place in the league standings, two points ahead of Juventus in fourth, with six games remaining.
Gasperini Hails Crucial Win
“Victories against strong opponents like Bologna feel like they are worth double in terms of league position,” Gasperini commented to DAZN. “We are very pleased… scoring early allowed us to control the flow of the game.” Gasperini praised striker Mateo Retegui, who scored the opening goal within three minutes and provided the assist for Mario Pasalic’s 21st-minute goal, securing Atalanta’s triumph. “I believe this was Retegui’s most impactful performance this season,” Gasperini added. “His quality and work rate provided a constant focal point for the entire team.”
Rome Derby Ends in Stalemate
The Rome derby between Roma and Lazio concluded in a 1-1 draw. Matías Soulé secured an equaliser for Roma with 21 minutes remaining, cancelling out Alessio Romagnoli’s earlier goal for Lazio shortly after the halftime break. The derby stalemate leaves both teams still vying for European qualification spots as the Serie A season progresses.