SOCCER: Real Madrid edge Alaves 2-1 to end winless run

MADRID – Real Madrid clinched a 2-1 victory over struggling Alaves in LaLiga on Tuesday, ending a four-match winless run across all competitions. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr helped the hosts secure the important win at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

The result moved second-placed Real to 73 points, just six behind leaders Barcelona, who were set to face Celta Vigo at home on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Alaves remains in 17th place, just one point above Elche, who sit in the final relegation spot.

Real Madrid dominated the early stages of the match as they sought to recover from a recent exit in the Champions League against Bayern Munich. They had also struggled in their last two LaLiga matches, failing to secure a win.

Mbappe opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a speculative low strike from outside the box. The shot appeared manageable for Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, but a heavy deflection off defender Jonny Otto sent the ball into the bottom corner, leaving Sivera helpless.

The hosts continued to press, and Eder Militao came close to doubling the lead just before halftime, hitting the woodwork. Five minutes into the second half, Vinicius Jr sealed the win for Real, firing a precise low shot into the far corner from distance.

As the game wore on, Alaves gained some momentum and pushed Real Madrid back in the final minutes. Toni Martinez pulled a goal back for the visitors in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough to mount a full comeback.

With the victory, Real Madrid looks to close the gap with Barcelona at the top of the table, while Alaves will face a tough challenge as they continue to battle against relegation.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk, Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters