Soccer-Ten-man Real Madrid score late to snatch victory at Alaves

Soccer Football - LaLiga - Deportivo Alaves v Real Madrid - Estadio Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain - December 21, 2023 Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni celebrate after the match REUTERS/Vincent West

VITORIA-GASTEIZ, Spain (Reuters) -A stoppage time header by fullback Lucas Vazquez earned 10-man Real Madrid a 1-0 victory at lowly Alaves in LaLiga on Thursday, with defender Nacho handed his marching orders following a sliding tackle.

The win left Real Madrid on top of the standings on goal difference, level on 45 points with surprise package Girona who were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Betis earlier on Thursday. Barcelona are third on 38 points.