Spanish La Liga: Mbappe And Rodrygo Strikes Keep Madrid Alive After VAR Drama In Vitoria

Real Madrid secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Alaves to ease pressure on manager Xabi Alonso and keep the pace in the title race against FC Barcelona. Kylian Mbappe broke the deadlock with a brilliant, emphatic finish into the top corner, scoring his 17th goal of the season. The hosts leveled dramatically through a VAR-confirmed goal from substitute Vicente shortly after he entered the pitch. However, the visitors restored their lead when the Brazilian duo combined: Vinicius Junior delivered a superb low cross for Rodrygo to slide home. Despite dominating possession, Madrid struggled for fluidity, but the clinical moments from their star forwards ensured they salvaged a vital three points away from home. Watch the best pictures from the game.

Updated on: 15 December 2025 1:17 pm

Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, centre, celebrates with Jude Bellingham after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger celebrates after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Brahim Diaz

Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz, right, challenges for the ball with Alaves' Nahuel Tenaglia, left, and Antonio Blanco during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, right, and Alaves' Jon Pacheco challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Víctor Valdepenas

Real Madrid's Víctor Valdepenas, centre, and Alaves' Antonio Blanco, left, challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, left, and Alaves' Jonny Otto challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, centre, shoots the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Carlos Vicente

Alaves' Carlos Vicente celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Kylian Mbappe

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, left, celebrates with Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior after scoring the opening goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, left, challenges for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses

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Alaves vs Real Madrid Spanish La Liga soccer match-Mbappe

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe, left, and Alaves' Nahuel Tenaglia challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Alaves and Real Madrid in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. | Photo: AP/Miguel Oses