Rodrygo’s corner shines as Asencio scores first for Real Madrid against Alavés

The clash between Alavés and Real Madrid, part of LaLiga’s 31st round, kicked off with intensity at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Played at 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, the match pitted a team under pressure from recent results against one fighting to climb out of the relegation zone. Early in the game, Real Madrid showcased their attacking prowess, with Rodrygo playing a pivotal role in key moments, including the assist for Asencio’s goal in the 18th minute. The stadium buzzed with anticipation, reflecting the stakes for both sides.

Real Madrid’s urgency was clear from the start. Coached by Carlo Ancelotti, the team lined up with Courtois in goal, a backline of Lucas Vázquez, Asencio, Rüdiger, and Fran García, and a robust midfield featuring Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, and Camavinga. Up front, Mbappé and Rodrygo were the main threats. Alavés, managed by Eduardo Coudet, countered with Owono in goal, a defense led by Tenaglia, Abqar, Mouriño, and Manu Sánchez, and a creative midfield with Joan Jordán, Blanco, Carlos Vicente, and Aleñá. In attack, Carlos Martín and Kike García aimed to exploit any openings.

Siga o Mix Vale no Google e veja nossas notícias primeiro

The initial balance shifted as Real Madrid capitalized on their possession. The visitors created chances through precise passing, while Alavés relied on counterattacks and high pressing. The home crowd roared with every recovered ball, but Real’s technical edge shone in critical moments. Asencio’s goal, stemming from a well-taken corner by Rodrygo, gave Real Madrid the lead and altered the game’s flow, pushing Alavés to chase an equalizer.

Early moments set the tone
Alavés opened the match with confidence. In the first minute, they controlled possession, exchanging passes around Real Madrid’s defense to test their resolve. Kike García, pressing high, stole the ball and set up Aleñá, who fired a shot that Rüdiger blocked. Though the play posed no immediate threat, it signaled Alavés’ intent to compete against the Spanish giants.

Real Madrid responded with composure. By the fourth minute, Alavés’ high press disrupted their buildup, but Tchouaméni and Valverde’s passing quality helped them break free. At eight minutes, Rüdiger launched a long ball toward Arda Güler in the box. Owono, Alavés’ goalkeeper, misjudged the play, allowing Güler to shoot, but Mouriño cleared the danger. The chance energized Real’s supporters, who saw Güler as a spark of creativity.

As Alavés targeted the flanks with Carlos Vicente and Tenaglia, Real Madrid dominated the midfield. Camavinga’s relentless energy won back possession, fueling quick transitions. Rodrygo and Mbappé’s interplay on the left began to trouble Alavés’ defense, particularly Manu Sánchez, who struggled to contain their pace without support.

Key plays in the first half
The match heated up with a flurry of chances. At 12 minutes, Carlos Vicente received on the right, jinked past Fran García, and crossed, but Real’s defense intercepted. A minute later, Blanco dispossessed Valverde and fed Kike García, whose tame shot was easily gathered by Courtois. The plays showed Alavés’ resilience despite their lower standing in the table.

Real Madrid hit back through Rodrygo, their standout performer. At 16 minutes, the Brazilian surged down the left and attempted a cross, only for Abqar to block. In the next minute, Rodrygo latched onto a rebound from Tchouaméni’s shot, dribbled past a defender, and struck a powerful effort. Owono, alert, parried it out for a corner. The sequence foreshadowed what was to come.

• 2’ – Alavés presses early: Kike García steals and sets up Aleñá, but Rüdiger blocks the shot.
• 8’ – Real’s first chance: Güler shoots after Owono’s error, but Mouriño clears for Alavés.
• 13’ – Alavés counters: Blanco wins the ball and finds Kike García, who shoots weakly at Courtois.
• 17’ – Rodrygo goes close: After a rebound, he dribbles and fires, but Owono saves brilliantly.
• 18’ – Real Madrid scores: Rodrygo’s corner finds Asencio, who heads in to open the scoring.

⚽ ¡Rueda el balón en Mendizorroza!
▶️ @Alaves ???? @RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/iJzlDR0OZz

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 13, 2025

Real Madrid’s control after the goal
Asencio’s goal brought relief to a Real Madrid side navigating a tough spell. Reeling from a 2-1 loss to Valencia in LaLiga and a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League, the team needed a boost before their crucial European return leg. The lead allowed Real to dictate the tempo, moving the ball patiently and probing for gaps in Alavés’ backline.

Rodrygo, with his assist, remained the focal point. His runs down the left repeatedly tested Tenaglia, who needed Joan Jordán’s help to contain him. Mbappé, quieter early on, started to find space with his trademark bursts, keeping Abqar and Mouriño on high alert. Real’s fans, though far from home, sensed a chance to extend the advantage.

Alavés, meanwhile, sought to regroup. Coudet, animated on the sidelines, urged his players to stay compact and press higher. The plan was to win the ball in midfield and hit Real on the break through Carlos Vicente and Carlos Martín. However, Real’s technical superiority, led by Tchouaméni’s dominance in the center, made it tough for Alavés to execute their strategy.

Alavés’ battle in the standings
Languishing in 19th place with 28 points, Alavés faces a challenging season. With just one win in their last ten matches, the team is desperate for points to avoid relegation. A 1-0 victory over Girona in the previous round offered hope, but the gap to safety remains narrow, demanding consistency. Players like Kike García and Carlos Vicente are vital to turning things around.

Coudet’s lineup reflects a balance between solidity and creativity. Joan Jordán and Blanco anchor the midfield, shielding the defense, while Aleñá and Carlos Vicente provide flair on the wings. Up top, the young Carlos Martín pairs with the seasoned Kike García, who has a knack for scoring in big games. The Mendizorrotza crowd, aware of the challenge, rallies behind the team, hoping for an upset.

Known for its passionate atmosphere, Mendizorrotza is a fortress for Alavés. Even against a powerhouse like Real Madrid, the fans believe in a positive result. History, though, leans against them: Alavés has lost four of their last five matches against Real, drawing once. Still, the team’s fighting spirit shines through in every tackle and sprint.

Real Madrid’s delicate moment
Despite sitting second with 63 points, Real Madrid is under scrutiny. A seven-point gap to leaders Barcelona, who have 70 points, adds pressure. The recent loss to Valencia exposed defensive frailties, while the Champions League defeat to Arsenal raised doubts about the team’s resilience. The Alavés game is a chance to rebuild momentum before the decisive European clash.

Injuries to Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, and others force Ancelotti to adapt. Asencio, a young center-back, partners Rüdiger, with Lucas Vázquez and Fran García at full-back. In midfield, Güler’s inclusion is a bold move to inject creativity. Fans hope Mbappé, the squad’s biggest star, will shine and lead Real to a commanding win.

Real Madrid’s record against Alavés is strong. Last season, they won both encounters: 1-0 away and 5-0 at home, with Vinicius Jr. scoring twice in the rout. Yet, current inconsistencies demand caution, and Ancelotti knows a slip-up could widen the gap to Barcelona and dent morale further.

Stats behind the matchup
The Alavés-Real Madrid duel highlights stark contrasts. Real boasts one of LaLiga’s most potent attacks, averaging over two goals per game, while Alavés struggles offensively, scoring less than one per match. Defensively, both teams have issues: Real has conceded in their last three games, and Alavés has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their last ten.

• Possession: Real Madrid averages 58% per game, compared to Alavés’ 42%.
• Shots: Real takes around 15 shots per match, while Alavés averages 9.
• Corners: Real earns 6 corners per game, against Alavés’ 4.
• Cards: Alavés picks up 2.5 yellows per game, compared to Real’s 1.4.
• Goalkeeping: Courtois averages 3 saves per match, while Owono faces about 5 shots on target.

Standout performers on the pitch
Rodrygo’s early display reinforces his fine form this season. With goals and assists in LaLiga, the Brazilian’s dribbling and finishing make him a constant danger. For Alavés, Kike García shoulders the attacking burden. The veteran striker, who has scored against top teams, aims to capitalize on any lapse from Courtois.

In midfield, Camavinga’s battle with Joan Jordán is one to watch. The Frenchman’s intensity meets the Spaniard’s technical nous. Güler, meanwhile, has a chance to prove his worth as a rising star. For Alavés, Aleñá, a Barcelona youth product, looks to create with his vision and passing.

Defensively, both sides face tests. Asencio, filling in for Real, must stay sharp against Carlos Martín’s pace. Alavés’ Abqar and Mouriño have the daunting task of stopping Mbappé, one of the world’s deadliest forwards. Rüdiger’s experience will be key for Real to avoid surprises.

Stakes for the table
For Alavés, every point is critical. Their 19th-place standing underscores the need for results, and a strong showing at home could lift them out of the drop zone, depending on other results. The Girona win boosted morale, and the packed Mendizorrotza expects a spirited performance.

Real Madrid can’t afford to falter. Trailing Barcelona, they need a win to stay in the title race and build confidence for the Arsenal rematch. Ancelotti, under pressure, views a convincing victory as a way to silence critics and rally the squad.

Tactically, Alavés’ compact 4-4-2 aims to frustrate Real’s passing game. Real, also in a 4-4-2, prioritizes possession and wing play through Rodrygo and Mbappé. The team that executes their strategy better will likely dictate the outcome.

Game-changing moments ahead
With the match ongoing, more drama awaits. Asencio’s goal gives Real Madrid the edge, but Alavés has shown they can threaten, particularly on the counter. The home fans urge their team forward, while Real supporters track every move with hope. Stars like Mbappé and Rodrygo could decide the game, but Alavés banks on Kike García’s grit and their defensive resolve.

The first half continues with Real holding possession but staying vigilant. Ancelotti coaches from the touchline, demanding focus, while Coudet searches for ways to level the score. Substitutes like Vinicius Jr. or Bellingham for Real, and Villalibre or Benavidez for Alavés, could shift the dynamic later. The history favors Real, but Alavés’ home fight and Real’s recent wobbles keep the outcome uncertain.