Mbappe and Vinicius score in a nervy win over Alaves

Kylian Mbappe had a brilliant run at the start of 2026, scoring nine goals in six La Liga matches. However, from the game against Valencia CF in early February until tonight, he had to wait to score again in the league. He finally ended that drought against Deportivo Alaves, opening the scoring in Real Madrid’s 2–1 victory. It wasn’t an ideal performance from Real on the opening day of Round 32, which was somewhat expected given their poor form, elimination from the UEFA Champions League by FC Bayern Munich, and emotional fatigue. Still, Alvaro Arbeloa’s team got the job done and secured three crucial points. The pressure now shifts back to FC Barcelona, who remain six points ahead and will face Celta Vigo at home.

Celta are fighting for a European spot, so Real fans will be hoping for a surprise—just as Barcelona supporters were tonight, given that Alaves are battling relegation. In fact, the visitors almost took the lead as early as the third minute after a defensive mistake, but failed to capitalize. Alaves had more chances, especially through Toni Martínez, who hit the crossbar and was later denied by Andriy Lunin. In between, Mbappe broke the deadlock with a shot from 17 meters that took a deflection and beat Antonio Sivera. That was Mbappe’s 41st goal of the season and 24th in La Liga, extending his lead in the scoring charts ahead of Vedat Muriqi by three goals. Despite a recent dry spell—partly due to injury—he had still been scoring for France national football team and in both matches against Bayern, though that offered little consolation after their Champions League exit.

He’ll get another chance to add to his tally on Friday away to Real Betis. Alongside him on the scoresheet tonight was Vinícius Junior, who initially faced whistles from Real fans disappointed after the Bayern defeat. Tension was also directed at Arbeloa and some players, but Vinícius eased it with a fine long-range goal. This was Real’s first win after three defeats and one draw, and focus now returns to chasing Barcelona. A key moment looms on May 10—the El Clasico. Arbeloa made three changes compared to the Bayern match, bringing Dean Huijsen and Miguel Gutierrez Carreras into defense, while Aurelien Tchouaméni returned to midfield. Eder Militao was forced off injured before halftime, replaced by Antonio Rudiger. Despite substitutions later on, Real didn’t significantly improve their performance. They played just well enough to protect the lead and were aided by luck, with the post and Lunin preserving the result. Alaves eventually pulled one back through Toni Martínez in stoppage time, but it came too late.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 32

Tuesday

Athletic Bilbao - Osasuna 1-0 (1-0)

/Guruzeta 16/

Mallorca - Valencia 1-1 (0-0)

/Samu Costa 49 - Sadiq 67/

Girona - Betis 2-3 (1-1)

/Tsygankov 7, Ounahi 68(p) - Roca 23, Ezzalzouli 63, Riquelme 80/

Real Madrid - Alaves 2-1 (1-0)

/Mbappe 30, Vinicius 50 - Martinez 90+3/

Wednesday

20.00: (2.75) Elche (3.35) Atl.Madrid (2.55)

21.00: (2.35) Sociedad (3.20) Getafe (3.50)

22.30: (1.23) Barcelona (6.75) Celta (11.0)

Thursday

20.00: (2.55) Levante (3.15) Sevilla (2.90)

21.00: (2.20) Rayo Vallecano (3.30) Espanyol (3.40)

22.30: (3.40) Oviedo (3.40) Villarreal (2.15)

***odds are subject to change***