How Did Rodrygo and Mbappe Propel Real Madrid to a Crucial La Liga Victory?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring for Real Madrid.
- Rodrygo contributed significantly before leaving the game injured.
- Real Madrid's win reduces the gap to FC Barcelona to four points.
- Sevilla recorded a commanding 4-0 win against Oviedo.
- The match between Levante and Villarreal was postponed due to severe weather.
Madrid, Dec 15 (NationPress) Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo played a pivotal role in securing a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid against Alaves, narrowing the deficit to La Liga frontrunners FC Barcelona to just four points.
Mbappe initiated the scoring in the 24th minute with a spectacular run, striking the ball into the upper corner.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made an impressive save to thwart Pablo Ibanez right before halftime, but Carlos Vicente equalized for Alaves in the 68th minute, with a goal that was initially flagged for offside until VAR intervened, as reported by Xinhua.
In the 76th minute, Rodrygo regained the lead for Real Madrid following excellent assistance from Vinicius Jr, although he had to exit the field due to a calf strain.
FC Barcelona managed a 2-0 home win over Osasuna, with Raphinha netting both goals in the final 20 minutes. His first strike was from outside the box, while the second came from a close range four minutes before the end.
Sevilla achieved a resounding 4-0 victory against struggling Oviedo, who remains in the relegation zone and has not won in eight matches since Luis Carrion returned as manager.
The match was effectively decided by the 22nd minute, with Akor Adams and Djibril Sow scoring to put Sevilla ahead 2-0. Batista Mendy added a beautiful solo goal in the 51st minute, and Chidera Ejuke completed the scoring in the final minute.
Things worsened for Oviedo when David Carmo received a red card in the 82nd minute, prompting the club to announce Carrion's dismissal later that day.
Celta secured its first home league victory of the season with a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, with Williot Swedberg and Jones El-Abdellaoui scoring in the 48th and 55th minutes, respectively, while Athletic's Nico Williams had a weak penalty saved.
The match scheduled for Sunday between Levante and Villarreal was postponed due to a severe weather alert for heavy rain in the Valencia region.