On Tuesday night, Real Madrid secured a crucial 3-2 victory against Deportivo Alavés in a match that swung from an apparent comfortable lead to a nail-biting finish. Lucas Vázquez opened the scoring just 57 seconds into the match with a close-range tap-in. The French superstar, Kylian Mbappé, impressed fans with a stunning solo goal that doubled the lead before half-time. Early in the second half, Rodrygo Goes added a third goal with a powerful strike into the net from a tight angle. However, the game took a tense turn late on as Alavés mounted a comeback with Carlos Protesoni scoring from distance and Kike García netting another, narrowing the scoreline to 3-2.

Three Answers to Key Questions:

1. What Changes Did Ancelotti Make?

Carlo Ancelotti was strategic about his team selection for the Alavés match. Following a weekend rotation against Espanyol, he opted for a near-full strength squad with some notable changes. Dani Carvajal was rested due to a recent knock, allowing for Lucas Vázquez to step up and shine. The defensive lineup saw the return of Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rüdiger. Ancelotti’s decision to bring in star players like Luka Modrić and Endrick Felipe later in the match raised eyebrows, signaling a careful balancing act as he aims to manage fitness levels ahead of upcoming crucial fixtures.

2. Why Was the Atmosphere at the Bernabéu Different?

Fans at the Santiago Bernabéu noticed an unusually subdued sound system during the match. Due to regulations limiting venue usage for concerts, even the sporting events have been slightly impacted. While the match announcements and basic sound functionalities were intact, the absence of pre-game music and reduced volume during the half-time interval modified the usual lively atmosphere. Fans were left wondering about the implications of these regulations on future games.

3. How Did Ancelotti Fare on His Historic 300th Match?

This match marked a significant milestone for Carlo Ancelotti, as he became only the second manager to oversee 300 matches for Real Madrid, a feat previously achieved only by club legend Miguel Muñoz. Despite a commendable win percentage of 70.7% and 14 trophies won during his tenure, Ancelotti faced a mixed reception from the Bernabéu crowd. While many showed appreciation with a standing ovation, others expressed their discontent with whistles, reflecting growing concerns over the team’s performance in the current season.

Three Questions Moving Forward:

1. Was the First-Half Goal Drought Finally Over?

Real Madrid fans celebrated Lucas Vázquez’s opening goal, marking the team's first first-half goal in recent matches, a welcome change from a streak of goalless first halves. The victory against Alavés not only ended the drought but also set a hopeful tone for the upcoming challenges ahead.

2. What Insights Were Gained Ahead of the Derbi Madrileño?

While the match against Alavés was not a perfect rehearsal for the upcoming clash with Atlético Madrid, some initial signs were evident. The fluid interplay between Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé showcased an attacking dynamic that could be crucial in the high-stakes derby, albeit one that will require a different tactical approach as opposed to facing an Alavés side that posed little defensive threat.

3. Is Real Madrid Facing a Yellow Card Crisis for Dissent?

The match raised eyebrows regarding the team's discipline, with Fede Valverde and Vinícius Júnior receiving yellows for dissent early in the game. This added to an alarming tally of eight yellow cards for protests this season alone, raising questions about the team's collective composure on the pitch. The trend indicates a new emphasis from La Liga referees on maintaining order, and it appears Real Madrid is currently at the forefront of this crackdown.

As Real Madrid prepares for their next fixture, fans will be eager to see if the team can maintain their winning momentum while addressing these emerging concerns.