Real Madrid go top of La Liga with Lucas Vazquez's 92nd-minute winner against Alaves

Full-back Lucas Vazquez's stoppage time header earned Real Madrid a 1-0 win against Alaves on Thursday, December 21. The Spanish giants were reduced to a 10-men side in the 54th minute when defender Nacho received a straight red card. The visitors started to show signs of losing shape, but finally, a Toni Kroos - Vázquez broke the deadlock.

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Madrid failed to create any chances and they looked to be heading for a dull goalless draw. Carlo Ancelotti's men were frustrated to lose Nacho right after the first half. An upset was on the cards, but Vázquez had other plans. Toni Kroos lifted a corner to the 32-year-old, who headed into a crowded box in the 92nd minute. 

"I think we deserved to win in the end. 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 manager Ancelotti said after the match. 

Madrid level on 45 points with Girona

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With this win, Madrid moved to the top of the La Liga points table on goal difference. They are level on 45 points with Girona, who dropped a point earlier in the day after drawing 1-1 with Real Betis. Centre-back Germán Pezzella’s strike from a rebound late in the second half helped Betis secure a crucial point. Meanwhile, defending champions Barcelona are third on 38 points.

Speaking about his team's celebrations at the final whistle, Ancelotti said: "Because it was a difficult game, with 10 men, everyone was thinking it could be the day we slipped up. But this team has energy, we hung on, we played well with 10 men, defended well and we got our prize."

Los Blancos have conceded only 11 goals so far this season - the fewest of any Spanish league club. On the other hand, 16th-ranked Alaves lost their third straight match. Madris's next league match is at home against Mallorca on January 3 and Alaves will take on Real Sociedad on January 2.