Most teams play 90 minutes, Real Madrid play until the final whistle. Perhaps that is what sets Carlo Ancelotti's side apart from so many others. They do not know when to give up. Not even when they have been playing with a man less for more than half an hour. No problem even if they have the majority of their starting XI out injured.
Real Madrid will find a way. They have shown that time after time over the years and did so again in the win over Alaves.
With Nacho being sent off early in the second half, it seemed like a lost cause for Ancelotti's side. It looked like they were not going to be able to take advantage of Girona's dropped points.
But then, experience rose to the plate. Toni Kroos' delightful corner was met with Lucas Vazquez's header. 1-0 to Real Madrid. Three points sealed and the top spot in the La Liga table as well to close the year.
Real Madrid player proves critics wrong in win vs Alaves
Vazquez has been receiving a lot of criticism in recent weeks as he has been the starting right-back in the absence of Dani Carvajal. He came up with the goods when it mattered the most though to take Real Madrid to the top of the table.
Vazquez's overall performance against Alaves was not the greatest either. But football is about moments more than anything else. The Spaniard produced one which might prove vital come the end of the season. Two points could easily prove to be the difference between winning the league and finishing second.
In the long-term, Real Madrid do need to sign a right-back. But on this day, that does not matter. It is Vazquez who deserves all the flowers today, for being a valuable contributor to the club for many years but not getting the plaudits he deserves.