Kylian Mbapp returned from injury on 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 as Madrid closed the gap on leaders Barcelona to four points after beating Osasuna 2-0 on 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.
Mbapp, who missed Madrid’s game against City on Wednesday due to a minor injury, scored Madrid’s 26th goal of the season in all competitions in the 24th minute, pasting a defender on the left and firing a shot into the top corner of the area.
Alaves equalized in the 68th minute with a goal from Carlos Vicente, but Rodrigo took the lead again from close range with a run and an assist from Vincius Junior.
Vincius Jr. hugs Xabi Alonso
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.
Vincius 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.
