Real Madrid ended a four-match winless streak on Tuesday, defeating Alaves 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to keep their La Liga title hopes alive.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a deflected strike from the edge of the box. It was the Frenchman’s 24th league goal of the season and his first since early February. Early in the second half, Vinicius Jr doubled the lead with a powerful 25-yard shot.
Despite Madrid’s dominance, Alaves fought back late in the game. Toni Martinez scored a consolation goal in stoppage time after the visitors had twice hit the woodwork.
The victory moves Madrid to 73 points, cutting the gap with league leaders Barcelona to six points. Barcelona faces Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
The win provides temporary relief for coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who has faced intense pressure following Madrid's recent Champions League exit to Bayern Munich. "The aim is to win our next six matches. That is the goal we have set as a team," Arbeloa said after the match.
However, the win came at a cost as defender Eder Militao was forced off with an injury in the first half after striking the crossbar.
