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Kylian Mbappe scored for the fourth straight game on Tuesday as Real Madrid survived a late scare to beat Alaves 3-2 in La Liga.

Second-placed Los Blancos reduced the gap to Barcelona to one point before the leaders host Getafe on Wednesday.

Madrid unsettled Alaves with goals from Lucas Vazquez, Mbappé and Rodrygo, but a late goal from the visitors left Carlo Ancelotti’s side reeling just as they thought the match was won.

Carlos Protesoni and Kike Garcia scored two goals in two minutes in the closing stages, but Madrid held on to win.

Los Blancos were too strong for Alaves from the start, with the match being a very uneven contest for most of the game, despite the Basque side having made a solid start to the season.

Ancelotti brought Vinicius Junior back into the starting lineup and gave Vazquez a rare chance to start. The two teamed up in the opening minute to give Madrid the lead.

The Brazilian winger came up from the left and played the ball back, with Vazquez finishing with ease.

Ancelotti said on Monday he wanted more intensity from his team at the start of matches after Real Madrid had scored just one first-half goal in either La Liga or the Champions League this season. His demand was quickly met.

Los Blancos dominated and Alaves barely reached Thibaut Courtois’ penalty area.

Yet Madrid’s second goal came only five minutes before half-time, when Mbappé and Jude Bellingham combined beautifully.

France captain Mbappe provided a clever pass to the England international, who completed the 1-2 by sending his team-mate through on goal.

Mbappe needed two deft touches to shake off his defender and gain sight of goal before expertly slotting the ball home for his fifth league goal.

Rodrygo extended Madrid’s lead soon after the break by taking a free throw from the right and firing the ball between the legs of Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.

Brazilian teenage striker Endrick hit the post with a deflected effort and Abde Rebbach also hit the woodwork to give Alaves a rare breakaway.

Endrick, 18, a Real Madrid substitute, was lucky not to be sent off when he brought down Alaves defender Santiago Mourino.

The visitors came back on 85 minutes when Protesoni curled in a beautiful shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Protesoni then sent a beautiful ball over the bar, which Kike Garcia neatly shot in.

Madrid held on to win for the 39th time in a row. The derby against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano is scheduled for Sunday.

The Rojiblancos’ stadium was where they last suffered a defeat in the top division exactly one year ago.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico will play a visit to Celta de Vigo on Thursday.