"Rodrygo's first LaLiga goal since January saw a lacklustre Real Madrid side claim a 2-1 win at Alavés, but the performance was unlikely to lift the pressure on head coach Xabi Alonso. Kylian Mbappé put Madrid in front in the 24th minute, but they struggled to control the game before Carlos Vicente levelled in the 68th minute. On Wednesday night Rodrygo had gone to Alonso to celebrate his goal in the 2-1 Champions League loss to Manchester City in what he called a show of solidarity, and in the 76th minute here he came to his boss's aid once more with the winning goal."
"Reports in Spain before kickoff had claimed anything short of three points would be the final straw for Alonso, but the manner in which they laboured to a win over a side only three points clear of the relegation zone will leave question marks. Mbappé was back in the side after missing the loss to City through injury and the France star appeared to be struggling again in the very early stages as he complained of knee pain. Even so, he was well enough to go close twice in the opening 10 minutes, first with a shot that went narrowly wide and then another just over the crossbar."
"Rodrygo then squandered another chance as he pulled a shot wide in the 12th minute, but Madrid could not sustain that level of pressure as their initial onslaught tailed off. They suddenly burst back into life to take a 24th-minute lead and it was perhaps inevitable that it would be Mbappé with his 70th Madrid goal. Rodrygo stole possession and fed Jude Bellingham, with the England midfielder teeing up Mbappé to do the rest. The visitors thought they had a second moments later, but Bellingham had handled in controlling a corner before turning it in."
Real Madrid edged a 2-1 victory at Alavés thanks to Rodrygo's 76th-minute strike, ending his LaLiga scoring drought since January. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the 24th minute after a move started by Rodrygo and finished via a Jude Bellingham assist. Carlos Vicente equalised in the 68th minute, and Madrid laboured for long periods without control. Mbappé showed signs of knee discomfort after returning from injury, and Thibaut Courtois produced a notable first-half save. Reports suggested that anything less than three points could cost coach Xabi Alonso, and the narrow win is unlikely to relieve scrutiny.
Read at ESPN
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