MADRID, Sept 25 — Kylian Mbappe scored for the fourth consecutive match as Real Madrid held off a late challenge from Alaves to secure a 3-2 victory in La Liga. With this win, Madrid narrows the gap to Barcelona to just one point before the leaders face Getafe today.

Madrid started strong, taking an early lead through Lucas Vazquez, followed by Mbappe and Rodrygo. However, Alaves rallied in the closing minutes, with Carlos Protesoni and Kike Garcia netting two quick goals, creating a tense finish. “Football can change quickly; one slip can give the opponents confidence,” said coach Carlo Ancelotti. “For an hour, we played well, which gives us confidence.”

Los Blancos dominated much of the match, with Ancelotti restoring Vinicius Junior to the starting XI, and it paid off early. Vazquez opened the scoring after just a minute, capitalizing on Vinicius’s assist. Madrid doubled their lead just before halftime, thanks to a slick interplay between Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

Rodrygo added a third soon after the break, but Alaves made a late surge, scoring two goals in quick succession to make it 3-2. Despite the scare, Madrid held on for the win, marking Ancelotti's 300th game in charge across two spells and extending their unbeaten league run to 39 matches.

Tempers flared at the end, with Ancelotti expressing frustration over officiating decisions, particularly a controversial incident involving Madrid substitute Endrick. Alaves coach Luis Garcia Plaza also voiced his displeasure, claiming Endrick should have received a red card. Madrid now looks ahead to a derby clash with Atletico Madrid this Sunday.