Real Madrid Edges Alavés 1-0 as Mbappé Sees Red – Camavinga Shines

Real Madrid's Narrow Win Over Alavés Overshadowed by Mbappé's Red Card Drama ⚽

In a high-stakes clash at Mendizorroza Stadium on April 13, 2025, Real Madrid clinched a tense 1-0 win against a relegation-threatened Deportivo Alavés, but the result was somewhat overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to Kylian Mbappé just before halftime. The match had everything — a stunning long-range goal, VAR drama, red cards, and high pressure as the LaLiga title race tightens.

A Must-Win for Los Blancos 🏆

With Barcelona leading the table, Real Madrid had no room for error. Sitting four points behind, every match is crucial, and even a draw would feel like a defeat in the title race. Coming off a devastating 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, the pressure was doubled. It was about redemption and survival — both in LaLiga and in spirit.

Eduardo Camavinga: The Surprise Hero 🌟

The match's only goal came in the 34th minute, and it was nothing short of brilliance from Eduardo Camavinga. The French midfielder, known more for his defensive duties and energy than scoring, curled a perfect shot from outside the box that sailed past goalkeeper Jesús Owono and nestled into the bottom corner.

This was Camavinga’s first LaLiga goal since March 2022, and what a moment to bring it! His celebration was passionate, showing just how much it meant — to him and to the team.

Key Highlight:

> "Camavinga’s goal didn’t just win the match — it re-ignited Real Madrid’s fire after a bruising week."

Mbappé’s Madness: Red Card Shocker 🟥

Just as Real Madrid were finding their rhythm, the unthinkable happened. In the 38th minute, Kylian Mbappé, under pressure and frustration, went into a tackle on Alavés midfielder Antonio Blanco with his studs high.

Initially shown a yellow card, the referee reviewed the footage via VAR and upgraded it to a straight red card. The world stood still. This was Mbappé's first red card in a Real Madrid shirt — and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

Fan Reaction:

> “It was a brain fade from one of the world’s best. You can’t make that challenge and expect to stay on the pitch.”

The incident changed the game’s complexion entirely. Alavés smelled blood, while Madrid had to reshuffle quickly to defend their lead.

Alavés' Hope Grows, But Fades ⚔️

Alavés, who are battling for survival near the bottom of the table, saw an opportunity to capitalize on the one-man advantage. They dominated possession in the early minutes of the second half and created chances through Carlos Martín, who forced Thibaut Courtois into a crucial low save from outside the area.

Yet, Real Madrid's structure held firm. Antonio Rüdiger and Nacho stood tall, blocking crosses and frustrating Alavés’ forwards.

Two Red Cards Level the Field ⚖️

Just as Alavés pushed harder, they shot themselves in the foot. In the 67th minute, defender Manu Sánchez lunged into a reckless challenge on Vinícius Júnior, echoing Mbappé’s earlier foul. The referee, consistent with VAR protocol, reviewed the incident and issued a straight red card.

Suddenly, it was 10 vs. 10, and Real Madrid found balance again.

Key Moment:

> "The red card to Sánchez gave Madrid breathing space — a gift they desperately needed."

Tactical Notes: Davide Ancelotti’s Trial by Fire 🎓

With Carlo Ancelotti serving a suspension, the match was managed by his son and assistant Davide Ancelotti. It was a test of nerve and tactical maturity — and Davide passed with flying colors.

He introduced Aurelien Tchouaméni late in the game for control, switched to a 4-4-1 formation, and instructed the fullbacks to sit deeper to avoid counterattacks.

Real Madrid managed to hold onto the slim lead, despite Jude Bellingham coming close to doubling it late on, only to be denied by Owono at point-blank range.

Game Statistics Breakdown 📊 (Narrative Style)

Let’s look at the numbers that told the story behind the 1-0 scoreline:

Ball Possession: Alavés edged it slightly with 51.6%, but Real Madrid’s 48.4% was much more purposeful. They were more threatening when they had the ball.

Shots: Alavés had 10 shots, but only 3 were on target. Real Madrid managed 8 shots, with 4 on goal — including Camavinga’s stunner.

Fouls: A high-intensity match saw over 25 combined fouls, including two that led directly to red cards.

Passing Accuracy: Madrid completed nearly 90% of their passes, showing composure under pressure even with 10 men.

Attendance: A full crowd of 19,438 fans at the Mendizorroza witnessed the drama unfold — and left divided.

Mbappé’s Moment of Reckoning ⚠️

While Camavinga might be hailed as the hero, the focus will inevitably return to Mbappé. The red card now means a suspension, ruling him out of crucial LaLiga matches, and possibly shaking the team’s chemistry.

For someone brought in with sky-high expectations, this moment serves as a reality check. Discipline matters as much as talent in a club like Real Madrid.

Fan Takeaway:

"Mbappé needs to cool his head. One moment of madness can undo months of progress."

What This Means for LaLiga 🏁

The win keeps Real Madrid within 4 points of Barcelona, who narrowly beat Leganés the day before. With just seven matches left in the season, every single point is gold. A slip-up by Barça and consistent wins for Madrid could still flip the table.

Here’s the current outlook:

Barcelona – 70 points

Real Madrid – 66 points

Goal Difference – Close

Head-to-head – Still in play

The title race is very much alive.

Champions League Focus: All Eyes on Arsenal ⚔️

This midweek, Madrid face Arsenal at the Bernabéu in a do-or-die return leg. With a 3-0 deficit from the first leg, Madrid needs nothing short of a miracle.

The absence of Mbappé (if UEFA sanctions follow) could hurt their chances, while Camavinga and Valverde will be key midfield anchors. Carlo Ancelotti returns to the dugout, and his experience could be the x-factor.

Final Thoughts: Madrid Survives a Wild One 🏁

Real Madrid didn’t just win a football match — they passed a character test. With a young coach on the sideline, a man down for over 50 minutes, and under immense pressure from media and fans, they dug deep.

Eduardo Camavinga’s goal might not make highlight reels for long, but it meant everything in the moment.

Meanwhile, Mbappé will need to reflect, refocus, and return sharper. The road ahead is bumpy, but if Madrid keeps showing this level of resilience, they can still dream big.