Real Madrid need to defeat Alaves in order to keep pace with Barcelona, and they have now retaken the lead at Mendizorroza.

Kylian Mbappe returned to the starting line-up after missing out against Manchester City in midweek, and he is the one that opened the scoring. He collected a pass from Jude Bellingham before cutting inside from the left and picking out the top corner of Antonio Sivera’s net.

Despite leading, Real Madrid had not looked convincing at all, and Alaves drew themselves level in the second half. Carlos Vicente, who had only just come on, brought the ball down brilliantly before firing beyond Thibaut Courtois – he was given offside initially, but VAR confirmed he was level with Antonio Rudiger.

But fortunately for Real Madrid, they have gone back in front, and it is goals in back-to-back matches for Rodrygo Goes. Vinicius Junior did brilliantly to drive into the box, and his cutback was turned home by his compatriot.

Rodrygo with a huge goal! 🇧🇷

The Brazilian ends his drought in LALIGA and restores Real Madrid's lead ⚪

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 @sbk | 18+ | 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑚𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑦

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 14, 2025

🚨🇪🇸 RODRYGO GIVES REAL MADRID THE LEAD! VINICIUS JR WITH THE ASSIST!

Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid.

— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) December 14, 2025

Vini Jr. to Rodrygo for a much needed goal 🤝

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 14, 2025