Real Madrid looked like it would comfortably collect all three points against Alavés, but the defending La Liga champions nearly gifted the visitors a result.
Carlo Ancelotti opted to start his strongest XI in Real Madrid's mid-week La Liga fixture despite the Madrid derby looming this weekend. Even Jude Bellingham, who reaggravated his shoulder injury against Espanyol, got the nod against Alavés. Just one minute into the match, Ancelotti's decisions paid off.
