Staff Reporter.
Lucas Vazquez struck deep into stoppage time as 10-man Real Madrid won at Alaves to go top of La Liga.
A 1-1 draw between Girona and Betis earlier in the day meant Real knew they would go first with victory.
But they struggled to create chances and their cause was not helped when defender Nacho was dismissed in the 54th minute for a bad foul on Samu Omorodion.
But two minutes into added time Vazquez rose to head in a Toni Kroos corner.
La Liga top scorer Jude Bellingham was unable to add to his 13 league goals so far in this campaign but it did not matter as Carlo Ancelotti’s side end 2023 in first place, going above Girona on goal difference.
Girona had looked on course to take another important win thanks to Artem Dovbyk’s first-half penalty, but German Pezzella equalised with two minutes left.
“I think we deserved to win in the end,” Ancelotti said after the match. “Lucas Vazquez, they’re two games he’s got into the box. He scored today and got an assist against Villarreal. He’s little, but he’s dangerous. We’re very happy with tonight, it was a difficult night, and thanks to the huge commitment of the team we’ve won.”
Madrid has conceded only 11 goals so far this season, the best mark among all Spanish league clubs, while Alaves — sitting in 16th place and three points clear from the relegation zone — lost their third-straight match.
Madrid’s next league game is at home against Mallorca on Jan. 3. Alaves visits Real Sociedad on Jan. 2.