Real Madrid vs. Alaves: This is how champions win

Real Madrid took care of business at home, defeating Alaves 2-0 to keep their lead over Barcelona at four points.

Los Blancos are in control of their own destiny. They’ve known that for the past few weeks, when Barcelona dropped points on multiple occasions whereas Real Madrid found ways to win. It hasn’t always been pretty, and Real have needed to eek out gutsy 1-0 wins, drawing penalties against physical La Liga opponents to maintain their cushion over their biggest rivals.

But on Friday night at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano, Real Madrid made it look pretty for 90 minutes, even if their opponents, Deportivo Alaves, were plenty game themselves with a few chances to score.

The win was a team effort, and it needed to be one. Los Blancos were without captain Sergio Ramos and all-important right back Dani Carvajal due to suspensions. Earlier that day, they learned Marcelo would be done for the season with an adductor injury. So a right winger, Lucas Vazquez, had to step in as the starting right back.

He, Eder Militao, and Ferland Mendy performed their duties solidly against Alaves, with star center back Raphael Varane returning to the starting XI after missing last Sunday’s win over Athletic Bilbao. Defensively, Real had some hiccups, but they were strong again, turning in yet another clean sheet, with Thibaut Courtois earning his latest accolade by making a few key stops.

The midfield was even more impressive. Toni Kroos did not put a foot wrong in another passing masterclass, pressing Alaves and keeping things ticking. Luka Modric was even better, making it back-to-back stellar performances as the workhorse in the middle of the park, constantly collecting balls and providing the engine. Casemiro was similarly industrious.

With Real Madrid, though, if there are any questions, they are asked with regards to the attackers. Eden Hazard was in the squad but not 100 percent fit to start, so Real turned to Rodrygo Goes at left winger. And he delivered the goods, swapping flanks with Marco Asensio after the two struggled to get into the game at San Mames.

The results were clear and obvious. Rodrygo was untouchable, and his runs scared Alaves’ defense. Asensio scored a tap-in from Karim Benzema, who put in a vintage display as a creator with a penalty goal to boot.

From attack to defense, Real Madrid were world class against an Alaves side that does not bow down to anyone. But Real made their own luck, working hard on and off the ball and showing the technical class they have. On this day, they looked like champions in La Liga, and it’s an honor they will continue to work to obtain in the next three fixtures. It’s games like this, getting past key absences, where champions are made. Los Blancos don’t make excuses; they simply perform.