Real Madrid Survive in Vitoria as the Usual Heroes Deliver Again
So this was one of those nights that perfectly sums up Real Madrid right now. The mission was clear: win the game and convince everyone with the performance. In the end, only half of that job was done. Madrid walked out of Mendizorroza with a 2–1 victory over Alavés, but the feeling was familiar — the scoreline smiled, while the football raised more questions than answers.
Once again, the difference was made by the usual names. Kylian Mbappé, with that striker’s instinct that never seems to switch off, opened the scoring and kept his incredible numbers rolling. Twenty-six goals this season already, fifty-six in the calendar year, and suddenly Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record doesn’t feel untouchable anymore. The goal came after a brief scare too, with Mbappé starting the match looking uncomfortable, almost limping, before reminding everyone that he needs very little to hurt opponents.
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At the other end, Thibaut Courtois did what he always does. For long stretches he was barely involved, until suddenly he was needed. And when that moment arrived, he saved Madrid with his face from point-blank range. No drama, no fuss, just pure reliability. On the equalizer he was left exposed, but otherwise he was a pillar again.
The game itself lacked rhythm. Madrid struggled to control the tempo, and continuity with the ball was missing. Arda Güler couldn’t quite find his place in midfield, Jude Bellingham ran himself into the ground trying to connect everything, and Aurélien Tchouaméni focused more on covering spaces than imposing himself physically. It felt like a team waiting for something to happen, rather than making it happen.
That “something” eventually arrived through Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. Vinícius had been quiet, erratic even, but football has a way of rewarding those who keep asking questions. When he finally attacked from the left, everything changed. He broke through, lifted his head, and squared the ball perfectly for Rodrygo, who finished to make it two goals in two games. Simple, decisive, and absolutely vital.
The win also came with small stories inside the bigger one. Young Valde made his debut in difficult circumstances and handled it with maturity, showing once again that the academy can step in when needed. Antonio Rüdiger, clearly short of full fitness, struggled at times and played a role in Alavés’ goal, while Federico Valverde impressed from the right, covering ground endlessly.
In the end, this wasn’t a performance to frame, but it was a result that mattered. For Xabi Alonso, under visible pressure on the touchline, the final whistle felt like a breath of air. The problems remain, the football still feels fragile, but for one more night at least, Real Madrid survived — thanks, once again, to the same names doing the same things.
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