Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has praised teammate Rodrygo for his display in their hard-earned 2-1 win over Alaves in LaLiga. Los Blancos picked up a first win in three games, following successive defeats to Celta Vigo and Manchester City in the last week. Under-fire Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso named Brazil international Rodrygo in the starting XI for the Alaves game alongside his top attacking stars. The 24-year-old showed exactly what he is about by scoring for a second successive game, leading Bellingham to praise him as being 'back'. The Englishman posted photos from the game on Instagram, dedicating his caption to Rodrygo, in particular. View this post on Instagram Instagram Post"Not pretty but points on the board.🫡 My boy is back! @rodrygogoes 🤍", he captioned his Instagram post.Rodrygo has been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu after a rough few months that began at the tail end of the Carlo Ancelotti era at the club. The former Santos forward went 33 games without a goal for Los Blancos before he found the net against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in mid-week. The forward delivered a fine performance against El Glorioso and capped it off with a smart goal that turned out to be the winner on the night. He completed 97% of his passes, won five ground duels, made four ball recoveries, and completed two clearances as he showed off his all-round game. He scored for Real Madrid with his only shot on target before he had to come off with a knock in the 83rd minute of the encounter.Valdepenas shines, Mbappe closes in on milestone as Real Madrid edge Alaves Academy talent Victor Valdepenas was impressive for Real Madrid as Kylian Mbappe found the net again in their 2-1 win over Alaves in LaLiga. The Spanish giants moved back to within four points of rivals Barcelona at the summit of the league standings. With Ferland Mendy injured and the duo of Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia suspended, Alonso turned to La Fabrica for a left-back. Valdepenas, 19, put on a fine showing, completing five tackles and three ball recoveries in his 78 minutes on the pitch. He also won seven ground duels before he had to come off for Dean Huijsen. Mbappe netted in the first period to take his tally for Real Madrid in 2025 to 57 goals. The 26-year-old can look to break the record for most goals in a calendar year for Los Blancos, which Cristiano Ronaldo holds with 59 goals. Carlos Vicente found the net for Alaves in the 68th minute to draw level in the game before Rodrygo delivered a killer blow eight minutes later. Alonso's side picked up only their second win in five games to grant him some respite.