VITORIA-GASTEIZ: Lucas Vazquez scored in injury time to help Real Madrid register a 1-0 victory over the home side Alaves during the La Liga 2023/24 match at Mendizorrotza Stadium on Thursday.
This victory helped Real Madrid regain the top spot in the La Liga points table as the table-topper Girona drew 1-1 with Real Betis.
The homside Alaves frustrated Real Madrid throughout the first half before the Los Balncos’ defender Nacho Fernandez was sent off 10 minutes after the break.
With the clock going into second-half injury time without any goal, it looked like Girona would lead La Liga going into 2024 thanks to Madrid’s draw, however, 32-year-old Vazquez had other plans.
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Experienced Germany midfielder Toni Kroos whipped in a corner and Vazquez opened his account for the season with a free header, as Los Blancos top the table on goal difference before La Liga takes a break until January 2.
Meanwhile, Girona played their last away game of the year against Real Betis at Benito Villamarín Stadium, where both teams settled for a 1-1 stalemate.
The surprise package of La Liga 2023-24 Girona started the game on high and earned a penalty in the 38th minute which was successfully converted by Artem Dovbyk.
This was Dovbyk’s eleventh goal this season, making him the joint-third highest goal scorer in the season.
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Girona held on to the lead throughout the second half and they appeared to solidify their top spot in La Liga 2023-24, however, Germán Pezzella rained on their parade with an equalizer in the 88th minute.
Pezzella found William Carvalho’s cross following a corner and hit a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to level the scores 1-1.
In another La Liga game at Iberostar Stadium, Mallorca registered their third victory this season as they defeated Osasuna 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.
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