"Real Madrid's stodgy but vital 2-1 win at Alavés on Sunday should have been just what the doctor ordered for embattled, under-fire coach Xabi Alonso. With only two wins in their previous eight games -- one in LaLiga and one in the UEFA Champions League -- the club's patience had already reached breaking point. Kylian Mbappé returning to the team at Mendizorroza to score his 26th goal in 22 matches, the previously 'missing in action' Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo combining to produce the winner,"
"The Spanish media have felt so heavily briefed in the lead-up to that tricky test in the Basque country that Alonso's team simply winning wouldn't be enough for him to remain in his post that there was a 'ho-hum, so-what?' reaction to the way Los Blancos claimed victory -- specifically the quality of their play in the second half. In his match report for Diario AS, Luis Nieto wrote that"
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win at Alavés despite a run of only two victories in eight matches and a crisis featuring nine injured or suspended first-team players. Kylian Mbappé returned and scored his 26th goal in 22 matches. Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo combined to deliver the winner, while 19-year-old Víctor Valdepeñas made a successful debut at left back. The victory was seen as necessary but uninspiring, with heavy media scrutiny and pre-match briefings contributing to a muted reaction. Criticism centered on the team's second-half quality and mounting doubts about Xabi Alonso's future.
Read at ESPN.com
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