Carlos Vicente: From Bench to Bernabeu Hero in 60 Seconds
Alavés winger Carlos Vicente rediscovers his scoring touch against Real Madrid after weeks in the shadows, potentially turning his season around with crucial equaliser.
From Bench to Bernabeu Hero in Just 60 Seconds
After weeks of warming the bench, Carlos Vicente needed just one minute to remind everyone why he was once undroppable for Alavés.
Perfect Impact Sub
It was the 67th minute at the Bernabeu when manager ‘Chacho’ Coudet rolled the dice with a triple substitution, bringing on Toni Martínez, Aleñá and Carlos Vicente as Alavés chased an equaliser against the mighty Real Madrid.
The gamble paid off almost immediately. Just 60 seconds later, Vicente latched onto Antonio Blanco’s perfectly weighted pass, burst into the box, and coolly slotted past Courtois with his very first touch of the ball. The linesman’s flag briefly dampened celebrations before VAR confirmed what Vicente already knew – it was a legitimate goal.
A Timely Reminder
The goal couldn’t have come at a better time for the 27-year-old winger. After being a nailed-on starter since his January 2023 arrival in Vitoria under previous boss Luis García Plaza, Vicente has found himself playing second fiddle to Brazilian Calebe in recent weeks.
Despite Coudet’s public praise, actions speak louder than words in football. The gaffer has preferred Calebe’s more technical, associative style over Vicente’s direct approach – a proper kick in the teeth for a player who’s been Mr. Reliable for the Basque outfit.
Still Alavés’ Main Man?
Despite his reduced role, Vicente remains Alavés’ top scorer in La Liga with four goals (albeit three from the penalty spot). He’s also been instrumental in their Copa del Rey campaign, contributing three goals and three assists across two rounds.
Against Madrid, we saw flashes of his best form as he:
- Scored with clinical precision
- Created what could’ve been a match-winning chance for Toni Martínez
- Reclaimed ownership of the right flank
- Showed the direct, penetrative running that made him undroppable previously
Season Turning Point?
For Vicente, this performance at the Bernabeu wasn’t just another game – it could be the watershed moment that puts him back in Coudet’s starting plans. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he’s proven he can still be decisive when it matters most.
In a season that’s been a bit of a dog’s dinner for him personally, this goal against Los Blancos might just be the catalyst Vicente needed to reclaim his spot in the first eleven. Sometimes in football, one moment is all you need to change your fortunes.