'A Christmas miracle!' - Jude Bellingham reacts to 10-man Real Madrid securing last-gasp victory over Alaves to overtake Girona at La Liga summit

Los Blancos lost captain Nacho to his second red card of the season early in the second half against Alaves but still managed to take a win that puts them back on top of the league. The only goal arrived from an unlikely source as diminutive full-back Lucas Vazquez powered home a 92nd-minute header from Toni Kroos' pinpoint corner. With Bellingham drawing the attention of a posse of Alaves defenders, Vazquez found himself in a surprising amount of space and made no mistake, much to the delight of his team-mates.

Sharing his delight with his Instagram followers, Bellingham posted: "A Lucas Vazquez Christmas miracle! Hasta el final! [Until the end]"

The last-gasp win at the Mendizorroza combined with Girona's draw at Real Betis sent Madrid top of the table, level on points with La Liga's surprise package who have set a frenetic pace in the title race. The pair end the year on 45 points from just 18 games with Barcelona seven points behind after a string of unconvincing performances. The revelation of the season, Bellingham, ends the year on top of the scoring charts having hit a remarkable 13 goals from midfield.

Madrid can take a few days rest before returning in the new year for a busy January which sees them in action in three different competitions. League and Spanish Cup action get 2024 underway before a trip to Saudi Arabia to contest the first silverware of the season in the Spanish Super Cup.