In a tense La Liga encounter, Real Madrid managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Alaves on April 13, 2025, thanks to Eduardo Camavinga's stunning goal. This win wasn't just about the scoreboard; it was full of drama and intense moments that revealed the pressure cooker of league football.
Early on, the game saw its fair share of drama when Raul Asencio's header was disqualified following a VAR review. It seemed like Alaves had taken the lead, but a foul in the build-up meant the score remained 0-0. Just moments later, Camavinga broke his 15-month goal drought by curling the ball into the net from outside the box in the 34th minute. This goal was not just a personal triumph but provided Real Madrid with a much-needed cushion in the game.
However, things turned sour for Madrid shortly after. In the 38th minute, Kylian Mbappé made headlines for all the wrong reasons. A reckless tackle on Antonio Blanco led to a straight red card, sending the French star off the pitch and putting Madrid on the back foot. This game-changing moment had Santiago Bernabéu buzzing with tension.
The drama didn’t just end there. Alaves, eager to capitalize on their numerical advantage, found themselves reduced to 10 men as well in the 70th minute. Manu Sanchez's high tackle on Vinicius Jr. was indeed dangerous, and the referee didn't hesitate to equalize the playing field by showing him a red card.
Despite being outnumbered initially and under immense pressure, Real Madrid held firm, with their defense resolute and Thibaut Courtois making incredible saves, including a near-miracle block against a then-threatening Jude Bellingham. Courtois' performance ensured the three points stayed with Madrid, allowing them to maintain proximity in the title race, with 66 points on the board, trailing Barcelona by four as Barcelona managed a 1-0 victory over Leganes.
Interestingly, this match took place without the presence of usual manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was serving a suspension. His absence meant his son, Davide Ancelotti, took charge on the sidelines, adding another layer of intrigue to the evening.
It wasn’t just the drama of the match that caught the eye; individual performances did too, with Camavinga emerging as a clear standout. Not only did he score the match-winning goal, but his overall gameplay was impressive, completing six dribbles and three tackles. His performance would undoubtedly give him renewed confidence as Real Madrid prepares for their next big challenge.
Now, Real Madrid's focus shifts to their upcoming Champions League tie against Arsenal. They face a daunting task of overturning a 3-0 deficit. With their backs against the wall, how they respond on the European stage might very well define the remainder of their season.
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