Madrid, Spain- Real Madrid Snatches Victory -The Santiago Bernabéu erupted in a cacophony of ecstasy as Lucas Vázquez, Madrid’s little giant, soared highest in the 92nd minute and nodded home the winner against a dogged Alavés. This dramatic late strike not only secured three crucial points, but catapulted Real Madrid back to the summit of La Liga, just in time for the Christmas break.
Girona’s draw earlier in the day had opened the door for Los Blancos, but Ancelotti’s men found themselves up against a resolute Alavés, their task further complicated by Nacho’s unfortunate sending-off late in the first half.
Forced to reshuffle and deploy Tchouaméni as a makeshift central defender, Madrid faced an uphill battle against ten men.
Yet, even with a numerical disadvantage, the champions showed their unwavering spirit. They never abandoned their quest for victory, displaying an impressive resilience and attacking intent against a disciplined Alavés defense.
And then, in the dying moments of the game, came the moment of magic. A corner swung into the box found Vázquez, unmarked and hungry, towering above the Alavés defenders and powering a header past the helpless Pacheco. The Bernabéu erupted, and on the touchline, the Alavés manager, Luis García, embarked on a theatrically frustrated rant that will surely become the stuff of legend.
Vázquez, the match-winner, savored the sweet taste of victory: “We come away with a very good feeling,” he beamed. “It was a tough game, but after the red card, we showed incredible grit and determination. We kept pushing until the very end, and ultimately got the reward we deserved.”
He commended the team’s unwavering belief in the face of adversity: “At no point did we doubt ourselves. We were one man down, but the team never dropped their level. We defended well, attacked with purpose, and never looked fazed by the challenge.”
With their 17-game unbeaten run still intact and a seven-point lead over Barcelona, Real Madrid head into the holiday break as the clear favorites to reclaim the La Liga throne. However, they would be foolish to underestimate the threat of Girona, the surprise package of the season who continue to defy expectations.
When the league resumes on January 3rd, Real Madrid will face Real Mallorca, hoping to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, Girona, with their genuine title aspirations firmly intact, will host Atlético Madrid in a game that promises to be a true test of their championship credentials. With the new year just around the corner, the Spanish title race is hotter than ever. (Credit- CNN & Forbes)
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