Real Madrid battled past a resilient Deportivo Alavés side to secure a 2-1 victory at Mendizorrotza on Sunday, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo keeping their La Liga title chase alive and trimming the gap to leaders Barcelona to four points.

Madrid’s breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Jude Bellingham threaded a precise pass to Mbappé, who clinically finished for his 15th league goal of the season, extending his scoring streak. Despite the early strike, Alavés remained compact and dangerous, spurred on by a raucous home crowd.

The hosts equalized in the 69th minute through Carlos Vicente, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But Madrid responded swiftly: in the 76th, Vinícius Júnior’s explosive run set up Rodrygo, who calmly slotted home to end his 11-month La Liga goal drought. The Brazilian’s strike marked his 70th goal for the club, matching Mbappé’s milestone.

Manager Xabi Alonso unveiled his bold attacking experiment, starting Mbappé, Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham together for the first time. The quartet delivered 18 shots (8 on target) and 62% possession, though Madrid endured late drama when penalty appeals for a Vinícius challenge were waved away.

Alonso praised the lineup post-match: “It’s the first time we’ve started them all—growing pains expected, but the quality shone through.”

The win lifts Madrid to 39 points from 17 games, maintaining pressure on Barcelona ahead of a midweek Copa del Rey tie. Alavés, meanwhile, earned plaudits for their resilience but remain 17th, hovering above the relegation zone.