Mbappe Sparks Madrid Win Despite Late Alaves Scare

Real Madrid kept their title hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night, though Carlo Ancelotti's men had to weather a late storm from the Basque visitors.

With an injury list longer than a grocery receipt, Real Madrid started cautiously against relegation-battling Alaves. The breakthrough came on the half-hour mark when Kylian Mbappe found the net with typical predatory instinct, capping off a move that showcased Madrid's quality even with their makeshift lineup. The French superstar's SAM rating of 8.6 told the story of a player carrying his team when it mattered most.

Five minutes later, Aurelien Tchouameni picked up a booking that would prove costly, as the midfielder was already nursing a calf injury. Madrid's medical staff must be working overtime with key players like Valverde suspended after his red card and Courtois sidelined with a thigh problem.

The second half saw Madrid double their advantage through Vinicius Junior in the 50th minute, with Arda Guler providing the assist. The Turkish playmaker's 7.8 SAM rating reflected his creative influence despite being listed among the injury concerns. Ancelotti made wholesale changes around the hour mark, bringing off Bellingham and introducing fresh legs as fatigue began to show.

Alaves refused to roll over quietly. Antonio Martinez Lopez, earning a 7.3 SAM rating, kept the visitors in the fight with tireless pressing and quality hold-up play. Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion when Martinez struck in the 90th minute, setting up a frantic finish that had Bernabeu hearts racing.

Tactically, Madrid's 61% possession dominance masked their vulnerability. Despite 24 shots to Alaves' 19, the expected goals were surprisingly close at 1.62 vs 1.76, highlighting how the visitors created genuine chances. Alaves' defensive organization, anchored by Jonathan Castro Otto (8.8 SAM rating), frustrated Madrid throughout.

This victory keeps Madrid in second place with 74 points, maintaining pressure in what's shaping up to be a thrilling title race. For Alaves, sitting 15th on 36 points, this spirited performance against the giants will boost confidence in their survival fight.

With their injury crisis showing no signs of abating, Madrid's squad depth will be tested severely in the coming weeks. But on Tuesday night, when it mattered most, they found a way to win.