December 22, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid clinched a dramatic 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés late on Thursday, with Lucas Vazquez netting an injury-time winner to send Los Blancos top of the La Liga table at Christmas.
Carlo Ancelotti’s injury-ravaged side were forced to play over half the match with 10 men after Nacho was dismissed but showed resilience to claw out a vital three points.
Despite their squad issues, Madrid burst out of the blocks, carving open the Alavés defence early on. However, the visitors struggled to create further openings and a goalless first half ensued.
Yet, nine minutes after the interval, Nacho received his marching orders for a poor tackle, leaving Ancelotti’s men facing an uphill battle.
As the match wore on, it appeared Madrid would have to settle for a point. Yet deep into stoppage time, Vazquez rose highest to head home and snatch an unlikely win that lifts Real above Girona at the summit. It was a show of grit from Ancelotti’s men that demonstrated their title credentials.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
