Kylian Mbappe’s night ended in frustration as the French superstar received his first red card in a Real Madrid shirt, but a resolute display from Los Blancos saw them secure a narrow 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves at Estadio de Mendizorroza.
Eduardo Camavinga’s stunning first-half strike proved to be the difference in a tense encounter marred by two red cards and a flurry of missed chances.
Camavinga, starting in place of rested midfield regulars, broke the deadlock in the 34th minute with a curling left-footed effort from just outside the area. The goal, assisted by Federico Valverde, showcased the young Frenchman’s growing influence in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
However, celebrations were short-lived as Real Madrid were reduced to ten men only four minutes later. Kylian Mbappe, in just his eighth La Liga appearance, was initially booked for a high challenge on Antonio Blanco. After VAR intervention, referee Cesar Soto Grado reviewed the tackle on the pitchside monitor and upgraded the caution to a straight red—Mbappe’s first dismissal since April 2019.
The drama continued in the second half. Alaves pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but Thibaut Courtois stood firm, pulling off six key saves to preserve Madrid’s slender advantage. The hosts’ momentum suffered a major blow in the 70th minute when Manu Sánchez was shown red for a reckless challenge on Vinicius Jr.
With Madrid managing a one-man advantage, Ancelotti introduced Vinicius and Jude Bellingham off the bench, likely with an eye on Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Arsenal, where they trail 3-0 after the first leg. However, the visitors struggled to assert dominance, registering just one shot on target in the second half compared to Alaves’ five.
The win keeps Real Madrid four points behind league leaders Barcelona, who scraped a 1-0 win over Leganes on Saturday. The title race remains alive, with the two Spanish giants set to clash on May 11 in a match that could prove decisive.
Mbappe will now miss Madrid’s upcoming home fixture against Athletic Bilbao next Sunday through suspension, adding to Ancelotti’s selection headache during a critical stretch of the season.
Match Summary:
Deportivo Alaves 0–1 Real Madrid
Goal: Camavinga (34’)
Red Cards: Mbappe (38′), Manu Sánchez (70’)
Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza
Attendance: 19,438
