Real Madrid’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has publicly defended Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior following the Brazilian forward’s missed penalty in the 4-0 victory over Valencia. The error, which occurred in the second half of the match, sparked a mix of frustration and analysis from fans and analysts alike. Alonso, known for his calm and composed leadership style, took to the media to address the incident, emphasizing the mental challenges players face in critical moments.
‘It’s important to remember that penalties are high-pressure situations, and even the most talented players can falter,’ Alonso said during a post-match press conference. ‘Vinícius and Mbappé have both shown incredible quality in other aspects of the game, and I believe their contributions to the team’s success are undeniable.’
While the missed penalty was a clear moment of disappointment, Alonso highlighted the broader context of the match, where Real Madrid dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities. He also acknowledged the importance of learning from such setbacks, encouraging the players to focus on their strengths and continue building confidence. Fans and analysts have since debated the incident, with some criticizing Viníci, while others have praised his overall performance in the match.