Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso stood firmly behind Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior after a missed penalty incident in their 4-0 victory over Valencia on Saturday. Below you will see complete information that has been summarized by The Football Insight.
Mbappe, who had already scored twice in the match, chose to hand over a second penalty opportunity to Vinicius, aiming to boost his teammate’s confidence. Unfortunately, Valencia goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saved the attempt.
Despite the miss, Real Madrid showed their dominance as Jude Bellingham quickly found the net a minute later. Alonso emphasized that such moments reflect the trust and understanding among his players, not a lack of discipline. For the Spanish coach, team chemistry often matters more than individual accolades.
The gesture also highlighted Mbappe’s leadership and maturity. With 13 goals in 11 LaLiga matches this season, the Frenchman has already proven his scoring prowess and doesn’t need every penalty to showcase his value to the team.
Alonso Defends His Star Duo’s Decision
When asked about Kylian Mbappe choice to let Vinicius take the kick, Alonso responded calmly in his post-match interview. “Kylian scored another two goals! That’s a great average. We gained three points—that’s what matters most,” he said with a smile.
Alonso further explained that while Mbappe is the team’s primary penalty taker, he gives players some flexibility. “We assign penalty takers, but once in a while, they can make those decisions. I prefer them to score, of course, but this is football. It’s no big deal,” the coach added.
The 42-year-old tactician emphasized that his focus remains on collective success rather than individual statistics. According to him, moments like this strengthen the bond between teammates rather than create tension.
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Vinicius’ Redemption After El Clasico Incident
The match also marked Vinicius Junior’s emotional return to the Bernabeu after a controversial episode the previous week. In El Clasico, the Brazilian star walked off the pitch visibly upset after being substituted by Alonso, sparking rumors of internal conflict.
However, against Valencia, Vinicius appeared much calmer. He worked hard on both ends of the field and even shared a respectful handshake with Alonso when subbed off in the 79th minute. The gesture symbolized a reconciliation between player and manager.
Alonso praised the young forward afterward, saying, “Vini played a very good game. He showed maturity and focus, exactly what we want from him.”
Focus Shifts to Team Growth and Trophy Goals
With their latest win, Real Madrid continues their strong push in LaLiga, maintaining pressure at the top of the table. Alonso’s men have combined flair and discipline, turning early-season criticism into growing optimism.
Mbappe’s unselfishness and Vinicius’ renewed commitment underline the team’s unity under Alonso’s leadership. Such gestures, while small, could make a big difference in the dressing room spirit as Madrid chases multiple trophies this season.
For Alonso, what matters most is the bigger picture—teamwork, discipline, and collective ambition. “It’s not about one player,” he concluded. “It’s about how we play together, how we react, and how we grow as a team.” Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest La Liga news with just a click at footballcoasters.co.uk.