Real Madrid and Inter Milan Secure Crucial Wins Amidst Pressure
In a thrilling display of football, Real Madrid narrowly defeated Alaves 2-1, keeping their La Liga hopes alive, while Inter Milan staged a stunning comeback against Como, winning 3-2 to reach the Coppa Italia final. Both teams faced immense pressure, with Madrid needing to rely on Barcelona's missteps and Inter looking to secure another domestic trophy. The matches showcased resilience and determination, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
| Apr 23, 2026, 04:01 IST
Real Madrid's Narrow Victory Over Alaves
Real Madrid managed to keep their hopes alive in La Liga with a 2-1 victory against Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu, although the performance did little to alleviate the mounting pressure surrounding a season that seems to be slipping away.
Following their exit from the Champions League at the hands of Bayern Munich, Madrid needed a strong response, and they achieved that in terms of the result. Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 30th minute, with his shot from the edge of the box taking a slight deflection before finding the net. This marked his 24th league goal of the season, a timely boost after a quieter period.
Alaves, who are battling to avoid relegation, were far from passive. They created several early opportunities and continued to pose a threat, hitting the woodwork multiple times and testing goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Meanwhile, Madrid appeared vulnerable defensively and struggled to maintain control for significant stretches of the match.
Vinicius Junior extended the lead early in the second half, scoring from distance after receiving a pass from Federico Valverde. With a 2-0 advantage, it seemed the game was under control for Madrid, but they never fully dominated.
Alaves persisted and were rewarded in stoppage time when Toni Martinez scored with a clever finish, ensuring a tense conclusion that better reflected the match's overall balance.
This victory ended Madrid's winless streak in recent matches. With only a few games remaining, they are now hoping for Barcelona to falter.
For Alvaro Arbeloa, who is facing increasing scrutiny, this result keeps the title race alive on paper. However, with ongoing inconsistencies, Madrid's challenge remains uncertain as they approach the final weeks of the season.
Inter Milan's Dramatic Comeback Against Como
Inter Milan staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Como 3-2 at San Siro, securing a spot in the Coppa Italia final and turning a match that seemed to be slipping away into a late display of dominance and skill.
The first leg had concluded in a 0-0 draw, and for much of this match, it appeared Como would create a different narrative. Cesc Fabregas’ team was well-organized and courageous, taking the lead through Martin Baturina in the first half, followed by Lucas Da Cunha doubling it early in the second half. At 2-0, with Inter struggling to generate clear chances, Como was close to a historic final.
However, the dynamics shifted dramatically in the final 20 minutes. Hakan Calhanoglu, who had been pivotal throughout the match, pulled one back in the 69th minute with a precise long-range strike. This goal altered the momentum and belief within the stadium.
Inter surged forward with renewed urgency, and Calhanoglu scored again late in the match, this time with a header, leveling the score. With Como rattled and retreating, Inter completed their comeback moments later when Calhanoglu assisted Petar Sucic, who finished from close range in the 89th minute.
This marked another painful collapse for Como, who had previously surrendered a two-goal lead against Inter in the league earlier this month. Despite their disciplined start and strong performance, they could not manage the closing stages effectively.
For Inter, this comeback keeps their season on track as they advance to the final in Rome, with the opportunity to secure another domestic trophy.