Real Madrid beat Alaves 3-2 to close gap on Spanish LaLiga leaders Barcelona

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) – Real Madrid defeated Alaves 3-2 on Tuesday, closing the gap on Spanish LaLiga leaders Barcelona.

Spanish full-back Lucas Vazquez capitalized on Vinicius Jr.'s assist with a left-footed shot from the center of the box to the bottom left corner in the first minute at Santiago Bernabeu.

Jude Bellingham's through ball was converted into second goal for Los Merengues by French star Kylian Mbappe in the 40th minute.

Brazilian attacker Rodrygo's shot from a different angle, making it 3-0 for Real Madrid in the 48th minute.

Alaves' Uruguayan midfielder Carlos Benavidez beat Real Madrid goalie Thibaut Courtois with a long shot in the 85th minute to take one goal back.

Just one minute later, Alaves’ Spanish striker Kike Garcia netted another one from a difficult angle to make it 3-2.

Alaves were unable to score again to secure a draw, and the referee blew the final whistle.

Real Madrid are in second place with 17 points, trailing leaders Barcelona with 18 points, while Alaves is in 8th place with 10 points.