In a match that felt more like a trial than a routine league fixture, Real Madrid secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Deportivo Alavés in Vitoria on Sunday. The win, courtesy of a stunning Kylian Mbappé counter-attack goal, provided a vital lifeline for manager Xabi Alonso and a crisis-stricken squad, halting a concerning slide that had seen the team win just twice in their last eight official matches. The narrative of the night, however, belonged as much to the savior on the scoresheet as to the unexpected savior at left-back: 19-year-old academy debutant Víctor Valdepeñas.
The build-up to the Alavés vs Real Madrid clash was dominated by an unprecedented injury crisis at the Bernabéu. With six players out injured—including defensive stalwarts Eder Militão, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, and Eduardo Camavinga—and three more suspended after a red-card-filled loss to Celta Vigo, manager Xabi Alonso was forced to raid the Castilla squad. This dire situation opened the door for Víctor Valdepeñas, a physically imposing left-back, to make his first-team debut. The youngster, who had previously been released by the club only to be re-signed after impressing at CD Leganés, was thrust into the starting lineup for the most pressurized game of Alonso’s tenure.
Valdepeñas, described by sources within Valdebebas as a ‘beast of nature’ with limitless physical potential, did not look out of place. Standing at 1.88 meters, the defender showcased the athleticism that has seen his sprint data compared favorably to Vinícius Júnior’s, even clocking speeds over 34 km/h. His composed performance on the left flank was a bright spot in a makeshift defense, allowing the team to build from the back under intense pressure. His emergence is a direct result of the severe absences that forced Alonso’s hand, turning the Alavés – Real Madrid fixture into a baptism of fire for the canterano.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 24th minute, a moment of pure quality that underscored Real Madrid’s dependence on their superstar. After a loss of possession by Alavés’s Denis Suárez, Jude Bellingham launched a long pass to Mbappé on the left. The French forward cut inside onto his right foot and unleashed a magnificent strike that nestled in the far corner, giving goalkeeper Antonio Sivera no chance. Mbappé’s return from a knee knock was the decisive factor, with the forward having contributed to over 64% of Madrid’s goals in all competitions this season.
Despite taking the lead, Madrid failed to find a second goal and were forced to withstand significant Alavés pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the first half. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was called into action to make a crucial save from Pablo Ibáñez just before halftime, preserving the slender advantage. The home side, energized by their derby win over Real Sociedad the previous week, fought hard but could not find a way past Courtois and a resilient, if patched-together, Madrid backline.
The three points are monumental for Xabi Alonso, whose position has been under intense scrutiny. The victory moves Madrid closer to league leaders Barcelona, who remain seven points ahead. More importantly, it offers a semblance of stability and a potential turning point. For Víctor Valdepeñas, his successful debut on the big stage not only answers an immediate need but also announces a major new talent to European football, with clubs like Arsenal and several Bundesliga sides already reportedly monitoring his progress. In a season defined by adversity, Madrid found a temporary fix in their youth academy and their world-class finisher to escape Vitoria with a desperately needed win.