Real Madrid showcased their dominance with a resounding 5-0 victory over Alaves on Tuesday.
Madrid under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti displayed their prowess as they prepare for the upcoming Champions League final, delivering a commanding performance against their Basque rivals at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Bellingham opened the scoring and continued to be a driving force behind Madrid’s subsequent three goals, with Vinicius capitalizing on two of them. Their stellar contributions underscored Madrid’s peak form as they approach the crucial stages of the season.
Turkish sensation Arda Guler sealed Madrid’s emphatic win with a late fifth goal, further solidifying their dominance and extending their lead to 17 points ahead of second-place Barcelona.
“We have had just one defeat in the league and I think that a big part of the success is because of the defence,” Ancelotti told reporters.
Madrid marked their championship triumph with an exuberant open-top bus parade on Sunday. However, with the Wembley final looming just over a fortnight away, there’s a collective determination not to lose focus.
Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois showcased his unwavering concentration, delivering a stellar double save from Samu Omorodion in the early minutes of the game.
Having endured a significant portion of the season on the sidelines due to a severe knee injury, Courtois is now eager for a starting role in the Champions League final. His recent performance record speaks volumes, boasting three clean sheets in as many matches since his return.
“I knew I’d come back strongly. I’m the same Courtois, or even better,” said the goalkeeper.
Ancelotti fielded majority of his first eleven after giving them a rest over the weekend, and it was business as usual for Madrid as they opened the scoring. Jude Bellingham, found the net in perhaps his luckiest fashion yet.
The England star redirected Toni Kroos’ cross towards the far post, where Dani Carvajal was making a run, but the ball ended up finding the net directly.
Bellingham now trails La Liga’s top scorer, Girona’s Arten Dovbyk, by just one goal.
The Champions extended their lead when Bellingham threaded a pass through for Eduardo Camavinga. The young French midfielder surged into the box and selflessly squared the ball for Vinicius to tap home.
Alaves’ midfielder Ianis Hagi tested Coutois with a powerful shot at the other end.
Despite enjoying a strong season and comfortably positioned in mid-table, Alaves were dismantled by Madrid with ease. Fede Valverde added a third goal in first-half stoppage time after being set up by Bellingham.
Courtois continued to impress in the second half, denying Omorodin and Hagi with nine saves ovevrall, making a compelling case to Ancelotti.
Vinicius Jnr further extended Madrid’s lead, slotting home his second goal of the night after another assist from Bellingham, sealing a commanding victory for the Spanish giants.
“I’m at my best,” Vinicius said. “Now we’ve got time to train and that lets us stay calm, do good work and arrive better than ever at Wembley.”
Rodrygo had a golden opportunity to add the fifth goal, but goalkeeper Jesus Owono thwarted him from close range after a setup by Vinicius. However, it was Arda Guler who capitalized on a deflected effort in the box, ensuring Madrid’s victory with the fifth goal of the match.
“Every time a small team comes here, it’s a torment,” lamented Alaves coach Luis Garcia Plaza.
Militao and Carvajal both appeared to have physical issues towards the end of the game, but they were determined to be minor.
“What happened with the knee is nothing,” Militao said after the game, while Ancelotti confirmed the Spanish defender was also fine.
