MADRID (AP) — Kylian Mbappé returned from injury and scored a goal Sunday to lead Real Madrid to a 2-1 win over Alaves in the Spanish league, relieving some of the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso.
Rodrigo also scored, and Madrid fell to four points behind leaders Barcelona. Won against Osasuna 2-0 Saturday.
Madrid have won just two of their last eight games in all competitions and had just lost 2-1 at home to Manchester City in the Champions League, prompting jeers from fans at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Mbappe, who missed Madrid’s match against City on Wednesday due to a minor injury, scored his 26th goal of the season in all competitions for Madrid in the 24th minute, pasting a defender on the left and firing a shot from inside the area into the top corner.
Alaves equalized in the 68th minute with a goal from Carlos Vicente, but Rodrygo put the visitors ahead again from close range with a run and an assist from Vinicius Junior.
It was Rodrigo’s second goal of the season. He scored in Madrid’s game against City, ending a nine-month scoring drought at the club.
Vinicius Junior hugged Alonso after the goal, in an unusual show of public support for the Brazilian, with the former Madrid player in his first season as the club’s manager. The gesture came after media reported that the coach was no longer in the locker room.
Alavés remained in 12th place with a win against Sociedad.
Coach Oviedo dismissed
Penultimate side Oviedo sacked coach Luis Carrion after losing 4-0 to Sevilla.
As a result, Oviedo’s winless streak in official games has increased to 10 games. Oviedo have not won since September, when they won 2-1 against Valencia in the Spanish league.
Carrion leaves the club along with Oviedo, who have accumulated 10 points from 16 games.
Sevilla moved up to 9th place with 20 points.
Celta home win
Celta Vigo defeated 7th placed Athletic Bilbao 2-0, winning their first home game in the league this season.
As a result, Vigo Club moved up to 8th place, one point behind Athletic.
Athletic’s Nico Williams missed a late penalty kick.
Levante vs Villarreal postponed
Levante vs. Villarreal match originally scheduled for Sunday postponed Due to heavy rains in the Valencia region. The league said it made the decision following safety recommendations from local authorities while weather warnings are in place for the region.
Villarreal finished in 3rd place and had won 6 consecutive league games. Levante, who are at the bottom of the table, have lost five consecutive league games.
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