La Liga Highlights – 10-man Madrid beat Alaves and Kroos’ stunning stats
La Liga Highlights of the week will be the stunning mid-week fixture in which 10-man Real Madrid beat Alaves thanks to Lucas Vazquez’s stoppage time.
Toni Kroos was the maestro whose assist put Los Blancos back on the top of the standings, and his statistics have been talked about, but they are just not enough.
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La Liga Highlights – Alaves 1-0 Real Madrid
Two sides entered the MD18 with contrasting purposes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side aimed to reclaim the league summit. At the same time, Alaves were desperate for a turnaround after their season’s worst performance ended up in a 3-0 defeat to Girona.
And Madrid accomplished the mission, a ‘very Madrid way’ – a stoppage time.
As if things were not complicated enough for the visitors, Nacho was sent off less than 10 minutes into the second half, while his team struggled to score from the beginning.
The Spanish defender is now recorded as the first Real Madrid player to see two red cards in a single La Liga season since 2017/18. The first one to ‘achieve’ the same? Who else but Sergio Ramos five seasons ago.
The away fans had to wait until the 92nd minute to celebrate, when literally the smallest player on the pitch, Lucas Vazquez, headed home from Kroos’ corner and clinched three points.
Victory means Madrid have 45 points, level with Girona but ahead on goal difference and the head-to-head record, so they lead La Liga at the winter break.
Alaves stay 15th and have 16 points, meaning they are three clear of the relegation zone.
This result stretched Real Madrid’s unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions, but more importantly, moved them to the top of La Liga. They have to be overwhelming favorites to win the title now, despite how impressive Girona has been through 17 games.
Toni Kroo’s stats
The German had a fantastic game, in which he registered his 6th assist – more than any other player this season.
His passing range and precision are outrageous, putting the audiences in awe for years. Below is an example of why Los Blancos fans have been crawling for Kroos’s renewal.
- 94.3% pass accuracy
- 90.5% forward pass accuracy
- 87.1% final third pass accuracy
- 85% long ball accuracy
Author Details
TOM is a dedicated soccer writer whose words come alive on the page, mirroring the electric energy of the pitch. With a keen eye for detail and an unbridled love for the sport
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