Real Madrid faced Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in a crucial match at the Mendizorrotza stadium in Vitoria, Spain, as part of the 31st round of the Spanish League for the 2024-2025 season. The stakes were high for both teams: Real Madrid aimed to close the gap on league leaders Barcelona, while Alaves fought to escape the relegation zone.
The match kicked off at 4:15 PM Cairo time (5:15 PM Mecca time), and fans tuned in to watch the action live on beIN SPORTS HD 3, with commentary by Hassan Al-Aidaroos.
Real Madrid entered the match holding the second position in La Liga with 63 points, trailing Barcelona by seven points. The team had been struggling recently, coming off two consecutive defeats: a 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals and a 2-1 setback against Valencia in their last league outing. This recent form increased the pressure on coach Carlo Ancelotti and his players to deliver a strong performance and regain their confidence.
On the other hand, Deportivo Alaves was sitting precariously in 17th place with 30 points, just two points above the relegation zone. The team, led by coach Eduardo Coudet, was desperate for a positive result to bolster their chances of remaining in the top flight of Spanish football.
The atmosphere at the Mendizorrotza stadium was electric, with Alaves fans hoping to see their team pull off an upset against the storied giants of Real Madrid. Alaves had only won 7 matches, drawn 9, and lost 14 in the league this season, making this match a critical opportunity to secure vital points.
As the match progressed, Real Madrid began to assert their dominance. In the 34th minute, Eduardo Camavinga broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range shot that found the back of the net, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead. This goal was crucial for the team, as it not only provided a much-needed advantage but also lifted the spirits of the players and their supporters.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 38th minute when superstar Kylian Mbappe was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Alaves' Antonio Blanco. This decision, made after a VAR review, left Real Madrid with ten men and put them under immense pressure to hold onto their lead.
Despite being a man down, Real Madrid managed to maintain their composure and control the game. Alaves, sensing an opportunity, pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but they found it difficult to break through the resolute Madrid defense, anchored by goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made several crucial saves throughout the match.
The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with Alaves desperately trying to capitalize on their numerical advantage. They created a few chances, but the final touch eluded them, and Real Madrid’s defense held firm.
As the match concluded, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, a result that was vital for their title hopes. The win allowed them to stay within touching distance of Barcelona, who remained at the top of the table with 70 points.
The match showcased the resilience of Real Madrid, who, despite the challenges they faced, managed to secure a crucial three points. Coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed relief after the match, stating, "Winning today was essential for us. We needed to bounce back after two disappointing results, and I’m proud of the team for their effort and determination. Now we need to build on this and focus on our next matches."
For Deportivo Alaves, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after showing promise in the second half. Coach Eduardo Coudet remained optimistic despite the loss, saying, "We fought hard, and I believe we can turn this around in our upcoming matches. Our fans deserve better, and we will work tirelessly to ensure we stay in La Liga."
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will need to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixture, while Alaves must regroup quickly to avoid falling deeper into the relegation battle. The race for the La Liga title and the fight against relegation are both heating up, making every match crucial as the season enters its final stretch.
