Credits: X/@LaLiga

Why the Real Madrid vs. Alaves Game Will Be Remembered for the Wrong Reasons?

The match was overshadowed by a series of heated exchanges that disrupted the rhythm of play throughout the match.

Credits: X/@LaLiga

What was expected to be a routine La Liga fixture between Real Madrid and Alaves turned into a heated and chaotic affair on Sunday evening. As a result, the match will now be remembered not for the football on display, but for the controversies and the drama that unfolded at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Despite Madrid securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory to keep pressure on Barcelona, the match was overshadowed by two red cards and a series of heated exchanges that disrupted the rhythm of play throughout the match.

Real Madrid’s Asencio thought he had given his side the lead in the 19th minute with a well-placed header from a corner. However, the goal was overturned following a VAR check for a foul. Fifteen minutes later, Eduardo Camavinga broke the deadlock for Real Madrid. The midfielder slotted the ball inside the left post with a brilliant curling shot after a clever one-two with Valverde. The goal marked Camavinga’s first La Liga strike since March 2022.

Mbappe Receives First Red Card of His Real Madrid Career

Just as Real seemed to build some momentum in the game, things took a turn for the worse in the 38th minute. Kylian Mbappe received the first red card of his Real Madrid career in dramatic fashion. Initially shown a yellow for a late challenge that caught Antonio Blanco high on the shin, the incident was reviewed after VAR intervened. Referee Cesar Soto Grado was called to the pitchside monitor, and after a second look, he upgraded the booking to a straight red.

Mbappé’s red card. Proper grim challenge. pic.twitter.com/rIt42Y8DsQ
— James. (@afcjxmes) April 13, 2025

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Alaves began to take control of possession after Mbappe’s red card. Thibaut Courtois was kept busy as he made six crucial saves to deny Alaves. However, the match got another twist in the 70th minute when Alaves defender Sanchez was shown a red card for a foul on Vinicius Jr. Alaves goalkeeper Jesus Owono came to Alaves’ rescue, pulling off a crucial close-range save to deny Jude Bellingham and keep the scoreline to 1-0.

The win keeps Real Madrid within striking distance of Barcelona, who edged past Leganes with a 1-0 victory on Saturday. Real Madrid will travel to Barcelona on 11 May in a match that could determine the title race.

Alaves

Alaves vs Real Madrid

La Liga

Real Madrid

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.