The stat that complicates Real Madrid’s comeback against Arsenal after their win over Alavés.
Real Madrid’s Narrow Win Over Alavés Raises Concerns Ahead of Arsenal Clash
Despite securing three vital points in LaLiga, recent scorelines cast doubt on Madrid’s chances of overturning the deficit in the Champions League
Real Madrid secured a hard-fought victory at Mendizorroza, narrowly defeating Deportivo Alavés 0-1. The only goal of the match came from Eduardo Camavinga, earning three crucial points for Los Blancos in their pursuit of the LaLiga title. However, the match was far from easy, as Madrid played with ten men until the 70th minute due to Kylian Mbappé’s red card.
The French striker had not been particularly impactful during the game, but he was at the center of one of the most controversial moments. Just minutes after Camavinga’s goal, Mbappé committed a dangerous tackle on Antonio Blanco, receiving a straight red card. His studs-up challenge left the Alavés player in visible pain on the ground.
Madrid Holds On Despite Being a Man Down
Even with a numerical disadvantage for 32 minutes—Manu Sánchez of Alavés was also sent off in the 70th—Real Madrid managed to preserve their narrow lead.
Alavés pushed forward with several crosses into the Madrid box, but solid defensive efforts from Raúl Asencio, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Camavinga ensured the home team couldn’t find the equalizer.
In the final minutes, Real Madrid had a chance to double their lead in a chaotic back-and-forth, but Jude Bellingham missed a golden opportunity, denied by a brilliant save from Owono.
A Result That Won’t Be Enough Against Arsenal
While the win in Vitoria secured three LaLiga points, it won’t be enough in Wednesday’s decisive match against Arsenal. Not this result, nor any of Madrid’s recent ones: 0-1 vs Real Sociedad, 2-1 against Atlético, 2-1 over both Rayo and Villarreal, 3-2 vs CD Leganés, and now 0-1 over Alavés. With these scorelines, Arsenal would still progress to the Champions League semifinals.
Real Madrid knows they must come out aggressively against the Gunners. If they manage to score first, the mission will be clear: go for a second, and then a third. Nothing less will do.
