Eduardo Camavinga delivered the decisive blow in the 34th minute, curling home a sensational strike from the edge of the box. It was his first LaLiga goal in over two years-a moment of brilliance in a match that would quickly spiral into chaos.

Just minutes later, drama struck as Mbappe-usually the match-winner, not the liability - launched into a reckless challenge on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco. The referee initially reached for a yellow, but VAR had other ideas. Upon review, the card turned red, and suddenly Madrid were a man down, with a long second half looming.

That advantage didn't last long for the hosts. Not to be outdone, Alaves' Manu SÃƒ¡nchez leveled the playing field - literally-with a rash foul on VinÃƒcius JÃƒºnior that earned him a straight red early in the second half.

Despite their numerical setback, Alaves mounted a spirited fight. Carlos MartÃƒn tested Thibaut Courtois with a stinging low shot, while JesÃƒºs Owono in the Alaves goal denied Jude Bellingham a second for Madrid late on. But ultimately, the defending champions held firm.

The win keeps Madrid second in LaLiga on 66 points, still four adrift of Barcelona, who edged Leganes on Saturday. But with a Champions League battering at the hands of Arsenal fresh in the memory and head coach Carlo Ancelotti suspended-watching from the stands as son Davide took the reins - Madrid's recent form is starting to raise eyebrows.

Even the disallowed opener added to the drama. RaÃƒºl Asencio thought he had scored midway through the first half, only for VAR to intervene again, this time citing a foul on the goalkeeper during a chaotic corner.

If Sunday's clash proved anything, it's that Madrid's road to reclaiming the league title is anything but straightforward. And with Mbappe now facing suspension, the plot thickens.

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