Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain – Real Madrid clawed their way to a dramatic 1-0 victory over lowly Alaves in La Liga on Thursday, defying the odds after playing with ten men for nearly half the game. The win, secured in stoppage time by a Lucas Vasquez header, keeps Real Madrid atop the table on goal difference, though Girona’s draw earlier in the day means the title race remains a tightrope walk.
The match started slowly, with Real Madrid struggling to impose their usual dominance against a determined Alaves side. The tide turned dramatically in the 54th minute when defender Nacho saw his afternoon cut short, receiving a straight red card for a studs-up challenge. Despite the setback, Real Madrid seemed galvanized. Their attacks gained purpose, and just past the hour mark, Rodrygo came agonizingly close to opening the scoring, his curling shot skimming the top corner.
With time ticking away, both sides began to feel the pressure. Alaves, sniffing an upset, pushed for a winner, while Real Madrid desperately searched for a breakthrough. It arrived in the dying moments, a dramatic twist worthy of La Liga lore. Toni Kroos whipped in a precise corner, and there, rising above the crowded box, was Lucas Vasquez. The veteran defender powered a header past Pacheco, sending the travelling Madridistas into euphoric delirium.
“It was a complicated match,” admitted a relieved Carlo Ancelotti after the game. “Being down a man, everyone thought this might be our typical slip-up. But this team has immense character. We defended well, showed resilience, and ultimately got rewarded for our determination.”
The late winner was a testament to Real Madrid’s unwavering spirit. Despite facing adversity, they refused to crumble, instead channeling their frustration into a late surge that secured vital points. Whether this late-game heroics prove a turning point in the title race remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: in this tight battle, Real Madrid have shown they possess the grit and mental fortitude to fight until the very end.
