In an electrifying showdown on September 24, 2024, Real Madrid managed to edge past Alavés with a narrow 3-2 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The match showcased a dazzling performance from the Spanish giants, whose attacking trio of Lucas Vazquez, Kylian Mbappé, and Rodrygo were instrumental in securing the full three points.

Real Madrid, who have been on a quest to reclaim the LaLiga title, initiated the scoring just over a minute into the match. Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior darted down the left flank, expertly exchanging passes with Federico Valverde before setting up Vazquez for a close-range finish that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Madrid faced a setback when Mbappé’s 22nd-minute goal was disallowed due to an offside call. However, they remained relentless, and their efforts paid off when Mbappé doubled the lead just before halftime. Working in tandem with Jude Bellingham, the French forward executed a sharp one-two before sliding a composed shot past the Alavés goalkeeper.

The second half saw Madrid extend their advantage to 3-0, with Rodrygo finding the net shortly after the break. His low drive under the keeper's legs capped off a swift counter-attack that left the Alavés defense scrambling.

Despite the comfortable scoreline, Alavés mounted a late surge that shocked the home side. Carlos Benavidez and Kike Garcia struck in quick succession during the dying moments of the game, finding the back of the net in the 88th and 89th minutes, respectively. Their goals exposed moments of frailty in Madrid's defense and injected tension into the final moments of the match.

After the final whistle, captain Lucas Vazquez expressed mixed emotions, reflecting on the team's performance. “It's a shame that such a solid display had to be followed by two late lapses in concentration. We were on the right path and played well for most of the game. However, it's crucial to focus on the positives and learn from the late scare.”

With this victory, Real Madrid climbs to second place in LaLiga, sitting on 17 points, one point shy of leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand. Madrid's formidable attacking lineup continues to impress, with players like Mbappé carrying exceptional form, marking his fifth consecutive game on the scoresheet. As the season unfolds, Madrid will look to build on this performance and eliminate the defensive errors that nearly cost them their hard-fought win.

Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming fixtures? Can Real Madrid maintain their title push? Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on the LaLiga season!