Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Alaves
Kylian Mbappe continued his extraordinary individual campaign with a stunning opener, while Rodrygo ended his long La Liga goal drought with a crucial winner, helping Los Blancos navigate a tricky encounter at Mendizorroza and temporarily alleviate the mounting pressure on their coach. Alaves, well-organized and resilient under the lights of their compact stadium, proved a stern test for a Real Madrid side that has struggled for consistency this season. Despite dominating possession at times, Alonso's team lacked fluidity and were often reduced to relying on moments of individual brilliance – a recurring theme in their 2025-26 campaign. Mbappe's goal in the 24th minute, a curling effort into the top corner after cutting inside from the left, showcased why he has been described as "superhuman" this year, marking his 17th La Liga strike of the season. The hosts fought back valiantly, equalizing through substitute Carlos Vicente in the 68th minute after exploiting a defensive lapse. Antonio Rudiger's error allowed Vicente to race clear and finish emphatically, raising the decibel levels in Vitoria and intensifying the scrutiny on Alonso, whose side had won just two of their previous eight matches across all competitions. Yet, just when a draw seemed inevitable – and potentially catastrophic for the manager – Real Madrid's Brazilian contingent combined to restore the lead. Vinicius Junior, enduring a frustrating evening overall, surged down the left flank in the 76th minute and delivered a precise low cross for Rodrygo to tap home. It was the 24-year-old's first La Liga goal since January 2025, a timely resurgence that not only sealed the three points but also highlighted his growing importance under Alonso. The win trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top of La Liga to four points and provided Alonso with some breathing room. Public declarations of support from players like Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni in the buildup had underscored the unity within the squad, but performances like this – gritty rather than glamorous – will be needed consistently if the former midfield maestro is to steer Madrid back toward title contention. While the result was vital, the display was far from convincing. Real Madrid appeared disjointed in midfield, vulnerable on transitions, and overly dependent on their star attackers. Alaves, sitting comfortably mid-table, pressed aggressively and won the possession battle in spells, exposing ongoing issues with Alonso's tactical setup. The Basque coach, who took over in June 2025 after a glittering spell at Bayer Leverkusen, has yet to fully imprint his philosophy on this galactico-laden squad. Nevertheless, individual quality prevailed, as it so often does for Real Madrid. Mbappe's return from a minor injury absence was seamless, his movement and finishing a class apart. Rodrygo, starting consecutively after an impressive midweek showing, combined defensive diligence with clinical finishing. Vinicius provided the decisive assist despite an otherwise subdued performance. Defensively, there were positives and negatives. Young full-back debutant Victor Valdepeñas impressed with his composure and one-on-one defending, earning praise from Alonso post-match despite some criticism for the equalizer. Raul Asencio and Rudiger formed a solid central partnership for much of the game, though the latter's mistake proved costly. Thibaut Courtois made key interventions, including a crucial save just before halftime. In midfield, Jude Bellingham was influential in the build-up to Mbappe's goal and showed his trademark energy, while Federico Valverde's versatility shone from an unconventional right-back role. However, Aurelien Tchouameni appeared below his best, struggling in transitions. 
Substitutes like Brahim Diaz added late energy, but the overall lack of cohesion remains a concern. Alonso will know that victories like this – earned through grit and genius rather than dominance – can only sustain momentum for so long. As Real Madrid head into a demanding festive period, this result offers respite. But with Barcelona flying and questions lingering over team identity, Alonso's project is still very much a work in progress.
Player Ratings
Real Madrid (out of 10)
Thibaut Courtois - 7.5 Relatively untroubled but produced a vital save on the stroke of halftime to deny Pablo Ibanez. Commanding presence helped steady the defense during Alaves' pressure spells. A calm outing overall.
Federico Valverde (RB) - 7.7 Adapted well to the improvised right-back role, using his pace to overlap and create chances. Delivered several dangerous crosses and a key through-ball. Struggled occasionally linking with Rodrygo but defensive work was strong.
Raul Asencio - 7.5 Composed on the ball and excellent in duels. A strong showing from the young center-back, who looks increasingly assured alongside Rudiger.
Antonio Rudiger - 6.5 Solid for most of the game but culpable for the equalizer with a poor giveaway. Won headers and organized well otherwise.
Victor Valdepeñas (LB) - 7.5 Impressive full debut from the academy product. Confident carrying the ball forward and strong in one-on-one situations. Stepped up for the offside trap effectively at times, though Alonso noted some positional errors.
Aurelien Tchouameni - 6.0 Below par. Struggled with precision in passing and transitions. Lacked his usual dominance in midfield battles.
Jude Bellingham - 8.0 The standout in midfield. Provided the assist for Mbappe's opener with a perfectly weighted pass. Tireless running, clever link-up play, and nearly scored himself (disallowed for handball). Real Madrid's engine.
Rodrygo - 8.5 (Man of the Match contender) Resurgent performance. Scored the vital winner with a poacher's finish and contributed defensively throughout. His first La Liga goal in nearly a year – a massive boost after a prolonged slump.
Vinicius Junior - 7.0 Mixed bag. Poor in possession at times but redeemed himself with a brilliant run and assist for Rodrygo's goal. Drew fouls and stretched the defense.
Kylian Mbappe - 9.0 (Man of the Match) Superhuman once again. Clinical finish for the opener, constantly threatening with his pace and movement. Nullified at times by Alaves' compact defense but his quality shone through. Another goal in a season where he's carrying the attack.
Arda Guler - 6.5 (subbed off if applicable, but started in some reports)** Tidy but lacked incision. Some promising moments but struggled defensively.
Substitutes:
Brahim Diaz - 6.5 Injected energy late on and nearly scored with a fierce shot.
Others (e.g., Dani Ceballos if played) - N/A
Deportivo Alaves (brief)
The hosts were disciplined and competitive. Antonio Sivera made several saves, while Carlos Vicente's impact off the bench was decisive until the late collapse. A creditable performance against the giants.
Features and Analysis Kylian Mbappe: The Superhuman Carrying Real Madrid Kylian Mbappe's 2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal. With this latest strike, he reached 17 La Liga goals, complementing his exploits in other competitions to approach 60 for the calendar year across club and country. His ability to produce in big moments – even when the team struggles collectively – has been the silver lining in an otherwise turbulent season for Real Madrid. 
Returning from a knee niggle that kept him out of the midweek Champions League defeat to Manchester City, Mbappe looked sharp from the outset. His goal exemplified his threat: receiving from Bellingham, drifting inside, and unleashing an unstoppable curler. Defenders know what's coming, yet few can stop it. Mbappe's integration into Alonso's system has been seamless in attack, if not always in pressing. His partnership with Vinicius and Rodrygo has flashes of brilliance, but the Frenchman's individual output masks deeper team issues. Without him, Madrid's season could be far worse.
Rodrygo's Resurgence: Breaking the Slump at the Perfect Time
Rodrygo's winner was more than just three points – it was personal vindication. His La Liga drought stretched back to January 2025, a frustrating period amid high expectations. Criticism had mounted, with questions over his role in a star-studded frontline.
Yet, back-to-back goals (following a midweek strike) signal a turnaround. His tap-in was simple but timely, rewarding Vinicius' persistence. Defensively, Rodrygo tracked back diligently, embodying the work ethic Alonso demands.
At 24, Rodrygo has the talent to be a key figure. This could spark a purple patch, easing the burden on Mbappe and Vinicius.
Pressure on Xabi Alonso: Eased for Now, But Questions Remain
Xabi Alonso arrived with immense hype, fresh from Leverkusen's invincibility. Early wins suggested a new era, but recent form – including losses to Celta Vigo and Manchester City – sparked doubts.
Players rallied publicly, with Bellingham affirming unity. This win buys time, but the performance was "sloppy," as one report noted. Madrid lacked identity, relying on stars rather than system.
Alonso's tactics emphasize pressing and structure, but injuries (Carvajal, Militao, etc.) and adaptation issues persist. Florentino Perez's patience is legendary – until it's not.
Deportivo Alaves: A Well-Drilled Side Punching Above Weight
Alaves, mid-table security, frustrated Madrid with compact defending and quick transitions. Vicente's goal highlighted their threat on the break. Manager Luis Garcia's side has punched above expectations this term.
LaLiga Context The victory keeps Madrid in the hunt, four points behind Barcelona. With tough fixtures ahead, consistency is key. In conclusion, individual brilliance from Mbappe and Rodrygo salvaged the day. Alonso breathes easier tonight, but the grind continues. Los Blancos march on – precariously, but victoriously.
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