Real Madrid faces Alavés at Estádio Mendizorroza, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, for the 16th round of La Liga 2025/26, with the partial score of 1-2 in favor of the visitors after 35 minutes of the second half. The confrontation began at 5pm local Spanish time, equivalent to 1pm Brasília time, and continues with intensity on both sides. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring in the first half, Carlos Vicente equalized at the beginning of the final stage, and Rodrygo broke the tie afterwards, keeping the Merengues in pursuit of the competition leader.
Xabi Alonso’s team arrived at the game needing a victory to reduce the gap in the table, occupying second place with 37 points before the round. Já o Alavés, in 11th place with 19 points, sought to surprise at home and improve their home campaign.
Starting lineups
The teams entered the field with defined formations for the duel. Alavés, led by their coach, lined up Antonio Sivera in goal, with a defense made up of Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco and Victor Parada. In the middle, Antonio Blanco anchored, alongside Calebe, Pablo Ibáñez, Denis Suárez and Abderrahman Rebbach, with Lucas Boyé as a reference in the attack. Essa configuration allowed initial pressure on the visiting defensive sector.
In turn, Real Madrid climbed to Thibaut Courtois in the goal, with a defensive line formed by adapted Federico Valverde, Raúl Asencio, Antonio Rüdiger and Valdepeñas. Aurélien Tchouaméni and Arda Güler played in the middle, supported by Jude Bellingham, while the offensive trio included Rodrygo, Essa lineup reflected the absences due to injury and suspension in the merengue squad.
First half dominated by Real Madrid
Real Madrid started the match with greater ball possession and high pressure in the Alavés field. X__NM2____ The goal rewarded the initial superiority of the visitors, who controlled the actions in the following minutes.
Alavés responded with counterattack attempts, but found it difficult to break through the Merengue defensive block. Perto from the break, Pablo Ibáñez almost equalized with a set piece, but Courtois saved with his face in a saving throw. The first half ended with a minimal advantage for Real Madrid, who knew how to manage the pace despite local resistance.
Changes and goals in the second half
The complementary stage brought more excitement to Mendizorroza. Logo in the 23rd minute, Carlos Vicente, who had replaced Calebe, scored with his first touch of the ball after a beautiful throw by Antonio Blanco. The goal was initially disallowed, but VAR confirmed its validity, tying the game and increasing the pressure on Real Madrid.
The answer came quickly: at 30 minutes, Vinícius Júnior received the ball on the left and assisted Rodrygo, who played well to break the tie. The number 11 took the marker out of play and finished with the outside of his foot. Minutos later, at 34, Vinícius Júnior committed a foul on Carlos Vicente and received a yellow card, generating tension on the field.
Main minute-by-minute moves
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Here are the key moments up to 35 minutes into the second half:
- 23′ 1T: Gol do Real Madrid! Mbappé receives a pass from Bellingham and finishes with quality to open the scoring.
- 47′ 1T: Courtois saves with the face in submission by Ibáñez after lifting in the area.
- 07′ 2Q: Dupla save by Sivera on shots by Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on the rebound.
- 23′ 2Q: Gol do Alavés! Carlos Vicente scores with the first touch, validated by the VAR after assistance from Blanco.
- 30′ 2Q: Gol do Real Madrid! Rodrygo breaks the tie after a precise pass from Vinícius Júnior.
- 34′ 2Q: Cartão yellow for Vinícius Júnior for a foul on Carlos Vicente.
Substitutions and tactical adjustments
Alavés made changes to seek a draw again. Aos 22 minutes into the second half, Toni Martínez, Carles Aleñá and Carlos Vicente entered, leaving Ibáñez, Rebbach and Essas changes increased the home team’s offensive presence, with Carlos Vicente being decisive on their debut in the game.
In Real Madrid, substitutions took place in the 32nd minute, with Gonzalo García and Dean Huijsen taking the place of Arda Güler and Valdepeñas. The adjustments aimed to reinforce the defense and maintain control in midfield, especially after Vinícius Júnior’s yellow card.
Outstanding individual performance
Kylian Mbappé demonstrated quality by scoring the first goal and participating in dangerous plays. Sua’s speed explored the spaces in Alavés’s defense, creating constant opportunities. Rodrygo also shone with the turning goal, showing precision in finishing.
On Alavés’s side, Carlos Vicente made an immediate impact by tying the match. Antonio Sivera made important saves, such as the double intervention at the beginning of the second half. Thibaut Courtois contributed crucial saves, keeping Real Madrid ahead.
Context of the match at La Liga
The duel is part of round 16 of La Liga 2025/26, with Real Madrid looking for points to reach the top of the table. Antes of the game, the Merengues had 37 points, while Alavés had 19. The partial victory keeps the visitors competitive in the fight for the title.
Alavés demonstrates solidity at home, with an average of shots and corners that put pressure on opponents. Real Madrid, despite absences, has a higher average number of shots per game, reflected in the chances created.
Reactions on the field and refereeing
The referee awarded firm fouls on both sides, with yellow cards distributed evenly so far. VAR intervened in Carlos Vicente’s goal, correcting the initial decision and validating the temporary draw. The players maintain intensity, without serious incidents beyond the card at Vinícius Júnior.
Coaches adjust strategies in real time, with Alavés betting on quick transitions and Real Madrid prioritizing possession to control the pace.
Ball possession and partial statistics
Real Madrid maintains greater possession of the ball throughout the match, exploiting exchanges of passes in midfield. Alavés compensates with high marking and quick recovery, generating dangerous counterattacks. Finalizações show balance in the second half, with decisive saves from both goalkeepers.
Corners and free kicks reflect the physical dispute, with the game flowing despite the interruptions.
The confrontation remains open after 35 minutes of the second half, with Real Madrid ahead 2-1. The teams continue to look for spaces, promising more emotions until the final whistle at Mendizorroza.
