Real Madrid Holds On For Narrow Win Despite Mbappe Red Card

In a dramatic La Liga clash on Sunday, April 13, 2025, Real Madrid managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, despite playing with ten men for much of the match. The game was marked by a shocking moment in the first half when Kylian Mbappe was sent off after a dangerous foul on Antonio Blanco, leaving his team to fend off a determined Alaves side without their star forward.

Real Madrid entered the match under significant pressure, trailing FC Barcelona by four points in the La Liga standings, and desperately needed the win to keep their title hopes alive. The match kicked off at 16:15, and it was clear from the start that both teams were eager to assert their dominance. Eduardo Camavinga provided the breakthrough for the visitors in the 28th minute, scoring a stunning goal that put Real Madrid ahead 1-0.

However, just ten minutes later, the game took a turn for the worse for the visitors. In the 38th minute, Mbappe, who had been a key player for Real Madrid throughout the season, received a yellow card for a reckless challenge on Blanco. The referee, after reviewing the incident with VAR, upgraded the card to a direct red, forcing Mbappe to leave the field and leaving his team to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

This red card not only weakened Real Madrid's attack but also raised questions about Mbappe's future in the league, as he faces the possibility of a suspension due to the severity of his foul. "It was a reckless challenge, and the referee made the right call," said a spokesperson from the La Liga Disciplinary Committee. With Mbappe now sidelined, he will miss at least one match, which could significantly impact his competition with Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski for the top scorer title. Currently, Mbappe trails Lewandowski by three goals, and this absence could provide the Polish striker with a vital advantage in their race for the crown.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid displayed remarkable resilience. The team, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, held firm against a relentless Alaves side that was eager to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Alaves had been fighting to avoid relegation and came into the match off a recent victory against Girona, where they won 1-0. However, they struggled to break down Real Madrid's defense, which held strong under pressure.

Throughout the second half, Alaves pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Real Madrid's defense, led by veteran players, managed to withstand the onslaught. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several crucial saves, ensuring that the home side could not find the back of the net. The tension in the stadium was palpable as Alaves fans urged their team forward, but the visitors remained composed.

Real Madrid’s victory was crucial, not only for maintaining their title hopes but also for boosting team morale after a string of disappointing results, including a recent loss to Valencia and a shocking 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League. This win against Alaves was a much-needed boost as they look to recover from their recent struggles.

With this victory, Real Madrid remains in the hunt for the La Liga title, but they must continue to perform at a high level to keep pace with Barcelona. The win also solidified their position in the league, giving them a fighting chance as they head into the final stretch of the season.

As for Deportivo Alaves, the loss was a setback in their fight against relegation. They had hoped to capitalize on Real Madrid's weakened state but will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to secure their place in the top division. The team has shown promise in recent weeks, but they will need to ensure that they can convert opportunities into points in the coming fixtures.

Looking ahead, Real Madrid will need to prepare for their next matches without Mbappe, who has been a pivotal player this season. With 22 goals in 28 La Liga appearances and 7 goals in the Champions League, his absence will be felt. The team will need to rally and find ways to compensate for his loss as they aim to close the gap with Barcelona and secure their place in the Champions League for next season.

In conclusion, while Real Madrid celebrated their hard-fought victory over Deportivo Alaves, the shadow of Mbappe's red card loomed large, prompting questions about his future and the team's ability to maintain their title challenge. The race for La Liga continues, and every point will be crucial as the season winds down.