Defending champions Real Madrid eked out a nervy 1-0 win at relegation-threatened Alaves in LaLiga on Sunday after being reduced to 10 men late in the first half following a reckless challenge on Kylian Mbappé.

Eduardo Camavinga put Madrid ahead in the 34th minute with a superb curling strike from outside the area, after an earlier goal by Raúl Asencio had been disallowed following a VAR review.

Mbappé's heavy tackle on Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco left Madrid a man down before half-time. However, they were level in the second half after Vinícius Júnior was also sent off for a similar challenge on Manu Sánchez.

Second-placed Madrid have 66 points from 31 games, four behind leaders Barcelona, who beat Leganes 1-0 on Saturday.

Madrid, who suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, have struggled in all competitions this month as they try to close the gap on Barça.

They were without suspended coach Carlo Ancelotti, who picked up his fifth yellow card in last weekend's defeat at Valencia. He watched from the stands as Madrid were led by his son and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti.