Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior struck on either side of half-time as Real Madrid secured a 2–1 victory over relegation-threatened Alaves, cutting Barcelona’s lead at the top of La Liga to six points.
Managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid were playing their first match since their Champions League quarter-final exit to Bayern Munich and responded with a much-needed win.
The result ended a run of two league games without victory and kept Madrid’s faint title hopes alive as the season enters its final stretch.
Barcelona, however, have the opportunity to restore their nine-point advantage when they host Celta Vigo, with only six matches remaining in the campaign.
Despite the win, Real Madrid remain at risk of finishing the season without silverware, which would mark only their fifth trophyless campaign this century.
Arbeloa’s future at the club is reportedly uncertain, with La Liga success potentially his only chance of securing his position beyond the current season.
Mbappe opened the scoring in the 30th minute at the Santiago Bernabeu, calmly finishing to register his 24th league goal of the season.
Vinicius doubled the lead early in the second half before Tony Martinez pulled one back late on, as Madrid now turn their attention to a crucial trip to Real Betis, while Alaves will host Mallorca in their next outing.
