Real Madrid back on top in Spain

MADRID (AP):

Lucas Vázquez scored with a header in stoppage-time to put Real Madrid back at the top in the Spanish league yesterday.

After Girona conceded a late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Real Betis, Madrid pulled off a 1-0 win on the road against Alaves to reclaim first place after 18 rounds.

Madrid and Girona are tied on 45 points, but Madrid was ahead on a tiebreaker. Defending champions Barcelona was third, seven points off the lead. The Catalan club edged last-place Almeria 3-2 at home on Wednesday.

Madrid got the late win despite playing with 10 men from the 54th minute after central defender Nacho Fernández was sent off with a straight red card for a hard foul.

Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, the leaders of Madrid’s attack this season, were kept in check during most of the match in a lacklustre performance by Carlo Ancelotti’s team at Mendizorroza Stadium. Neither team was able to create many significant scoring chances.

After Nacho was sent off, Ancelotti was forced to replace Luka Modric with midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who went into Nacho’s position in the middle of the defence.

Madrid have been playing with a squad depleted by injuries, especially in defence. Last Sunday, David Alaba became the third Madrid player to tear an anterior cruciate knee ligament. Éder Militão and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also sustained the same type of injury.

Antonio Rüdiger started alongside Nacho in defence yesterday.

Forward Rodrygo had to be helped off the field with another injury in stoppage time.

Madrid have conceded only 11 goals so far this season, the best mark among all Spanish league clubs.

It was the third loss in a row for Alaves, who are sitting in 16th place, three points clear from the relegation zone.

Real Madrid’s next league game is at home against Mallorca on January 3. Alaves visit Real Sociedad on January 2.