Alaves 0-1 Real Madrid: Player Ratings as Horror Mbappe Tackle Fails to Derail Champions

Real Madrid may have come away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against relegation-battling Alaves at Mendizorroza, but the match was far from straightforward. In what was a fiery and tense encounter, Kylian Mbappe’s first-half red card stole the headlines, leaving many to question whether Madrid’s victory was truly a display of dominance or simply a result of surviving a chaotic 90 minutes.

Eduardo Camavinga’s clinical strike midway through the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides, but Madrid’s win was overshadowed by a series of events that made for a tense and nervy second half. With the scoreline narrow and the match far from comfortable, Real Madrid had to dig deep to secure all three points. Despite a stellar performance from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the game was defined by moments of aggression, individual mistakes, and contrasting fortunes as both teams were reduced to ten men.

A Difficult Week Ends in Scrappy Victory

Carlo Ancelotti had spoken in the days leading up to this match about needing a response following Real Madrid’s disappointing 3-1 loss to Valencia and a humbling 4-1 defeat in the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal. The Italian coach had hoped for a morale-boosting performance, but the reality was far more complicated.

Despite some promising moments, this was not the slick, dominant Real Madrid side that fans have come to expect. Instead, the visitors were forced to contend with a much more scrappy affair, with their star forward Mbappe providing both the excitement and the controversy in a match that saw his first-ever red card in La Liga.

Camavinga’s Crucial Goal

The match’s only goal came in the 25th minute when Camavinga, the French midfielder who had endured a difficult outing in the previous week’s Champions League defeat, found himself in the right place at the right time. After a well-executed exchange of passes with Federico Valverde, Camavinga drove a crisp shot into the bottom corner of Alaves‘ net from just outside the box. It was a moment of quality in an otherwise disjointed performance from Madrid.

The goal not only lifted the mood of the team but also proved crucial in securing the three points. Camavinga’s ability to break from midfield and make an impact in the final third has been a hallmark of his rise at Real Madrid, and this goal further cemented his place as one of Madrid’s most versatile and reliable performers.

Mbappe’s Horror Tackle and Red Card

Just before halftime, the match took a dramatic turn when Kylian Mbappe received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Alaves’ Antonio Blanco. The French forward, frustrated at being denied a foul in the build-up, chased after the ball and launched into a tackle that saw him thrust the underside of his right boot into Blanco’s shin. The severity of the tackle was enough for the referee to show the 24-year-old his first-ever red card in Spain’s top division.

The decision left many questioning Mbappe’s discipline in what was an uncharacteristic outburst from a player known for his skill and composure. While the Frenchman’s actions were certainly harsh, it was difficult not to notice the growing frustration within Real Madrid’s ranks, who struggled to assert themselves in the second half. The incident would have been a major talking point had Madrid not come away with the win.

Madrid Battle Through a Man Down

Following Mbappe’s dismissal, the match shifted in Alaves’ favour. The home side, fighting for survival in La Liga, began to dominate possession and apply pressure to Madrid’s defense. However, they struggled to create clear-cut chances despite their numerical advantage. As the minutes ticked away, it became clear that Madrid was going to have to defend resolutely if they were to preserve their lead.

In the 70th minute, Alaves’ Manuel Sanchez was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Vinicius Junior. Sanchez’s studs went into Vinicius’ calf, earning him a second yellow card and subsequent red. This set the stage for a scrappy final 20 minutes, with both teams playing with ten men, though Madrid still lacked the fluidity that would have helped them kill the game off.

Despite a lack of attacking flair, Madrid kept Alaves at bay, thanks in large part to a few crucial saves from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper was in outstanding form, denying Alaves’ attempts to equalize and ensuring that his team left the field with a narrow but important victory.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappe was sent off for Real Madrid / Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/GettyImages

Thibaut Courtois (8.4/10)
Courtois was undoubtedly the man of the match for Real Madrid. He made several important saves to preserve his team’s slim advantage, especially in the second half when Alaves began to pile on the pressure. His composure and leadership in the final moments of the game were invaluable.

Lucas Vazquez (7.3/10)
Vazquez was solid at right-back, although his attacking contributions were limited due to the game’s defensive nature. He did well to support the defense and prevent any real threat from Alaves‘ wingers.

Raul Asencio (6.8/10)
Asencio had a relatively quiet match, with Alaves not posing too much of a threat in the aerial duels or physical battles. He was steady but didn’t have the same influence as some of his teammates in the defensive third.

Antonio Rudiger (7.2/10)
Rudiger was a rock at the back, winning key headers and tackles. His presence was particularly important in the second half when Alaves pushed forward with more urgency. The German’s leadership was vital in keeping the defense organized under pressure.

Fran Garcia (6.8/10)
Garcia didn’t have much to do defensively and struggled to provide as much attacking support down the left-hand side. He worked hard but didn’t manage to make an impact in the final third.

Federico Valverde (7.6/10)
Valverde was one of Madrid’s more influential midfielders, showing great composure on the ball and playing a crucial role in the build-up to Camavinga’s goal. His work rate was impressive, though he couldn’t always get involved in the attacking moves after the red card.

Aurelien Tchouameni (7.8/10)
Tchouameni was a key figure in midfield, breaking up Alaves’ attacks and providing the defensive stability that Real Madrid needed. His passing was neat, and he made several important interceptions.

Eduardo Camavinga (8.7/10)
Camavinga’s goal was the highlight of Madrid’s performance, and he put in an energetic display throughout the match. His movement from midfield and ability to join the attack was essential for the team, and his goal showed his growing confidence in the final third.

Arda Guler (6.7/10)
Guler had a quiet match on the right wing. He didn’t have much time or space to showcase his skills and was eventually replaced as Madrid sought more balance in the second half.

Kylian Mbappe (5.0/10)
Mbappe’s performance will be remembered for all the wrong reasons. His red card was a costly mistake, and he failed to make a real impact before his dismissal. The forward was visibly frustrated and struggled to find his rhythm in the first half.

Rodrygo (7.4/10)
Rodrygo showed flashes of his brilliance but was not able to make the kind of decisive impact that Madrid needed with Mbappe gone. He worked hard defensively and contributed to Madrid’s overall shape.

Vinicius Junior (6.7/10) (Sub, 62’)
Vinicius added some much-needed dynamism after coming on for Rodrygo. He was lively but was often isolated as Madrid struggled to hold onto possession. He did win the foul that led to Sanchez’s red card.

Jude Bellingham (6.8/10) (Sub, 63’)
Bellingham was solid after coming on, adding energy to the midfield. His influence was limited, but he helped keep the ball and ensure Madrid maintained control of the game.

Brahim Diaz (6.3/10) (Sub, 77’)
Brahim Diaz had a short cameo and didn’t have much time to make a significant impact. He provided some fresh legs, but his involvement was minimal in the final stages.

Dani Ceballos (N/A) (Sub, 90’)
Ceballos entered too late to make an impact on the game.

Real Madrid Scrape Through

While it wasn’t pretty, Real Madrid’s victory over Alaves moves them back into second place, four points behind Barcelona, and extends their advantage over Atletico Madrid. However, this match will leave Ancelotti with much to reflect upon. With a crucial clash against Barcelona approaching in May, Madrid will need to show much more quality if they are to secure another La Liga title. Mbappe’s red card also throws his availability for future matches, including the Copa del Rey final, into doubt—an issue that Real Madrid could ill afford at this stage of the season.