Three days from a quarter-final return of the Champions League to compete against Arsenal, Real Madrid won this Sunday on the Alavés field (0-1, 31st day of Liga). A victory over the smallest of margins with several twists and turns and an overall performance that will probably not reassure Madrid supporters. The expulsion of Kylian Mbappé will be a lot of talk.
Carlo Ancelotti had chosen to leave several executives on the bench to kick off. Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham have attended from the edge of the field at the opening of the Eduardo Camavonga score (0-1, 34th). A quarter of an hour earlier, Raul Asecio's goal had been canceled for a fault (19th).
Everything seemed to smile at the Merengue, when Kylian Mbappé completely disjected. While an opposing counterattack was rushed from the midfielder, the captain of the French team arose and have set a powerful sole on the right tibia of Antonio Blanco. First sanctioned by a simple yellow, he quickly received a direct red after the intervention of the Var (38th).
An unreasing performance before Arsenal
The Bondynois should at least receive three firm games, which should deprive him of the King's Cup final against FC Barcelona scheduled for April 26. Real Madrid finally won the game, especially since Alavées was also reduced to ten when Manuel Sanchez was received in a dry red (70th). Skinny but precious success for a Real Madrid which will satisfy it very largely. His supporters probably much less.
In the standings, the Merengues remain second, four points behind Barça. But the important thing is Wednesday's match against Arsenal. A week after the slap received in London (3-0), Carlo Ancelotti's men will have no choice but to succeed in a spectacular reversal at home. After the performance of this Sunday, serenity is not at its maximum.
