Real Madrid: Vinícius Jr. Denied Clear Penalty in Alavés Clash

Real Madrid‘s narrow 2-1 victory over Alavés at Mendizorroza was overshadowed by yet another refereeing controversy, this time involving the dynamic Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian winger’s electrifying run late in the match should have resulted in a clear penalty, but the referee’s decision left players and fans bewildered.

Just after Madrid took the lead, Vinícius picked up the ball on the left flank and surged into the penalty area, showcasing his pace and close control as he evaded two Alavés defenders. As he approached the box, defender Nahuel Tenaglia made contact that clearly disrupted Vinícius’s stride, leading many to believe it was a textbook penalty. However, referee García Verdura waved play on, much to the disbelief of the Madrid bench.

Even more puzzling was the lack of intervention from VAR, where González Fuertes failed to recommend an on-field review. This incident not only went unpunished but also added to the frustration of Real Madrid’s players and coaching staff. In a match where Madrid struggled to secure their lead, a penalty would have provided crucial breathing room and potentially sealed the game.

Frustration on Display

The atmosphere remained tense until the final whistle, with players visibly agitated by the officiating. Movistar cameras captured an intriguing exchange between Vinícius and Xabi Alonso as the winger was substituted. Alonso expressed his frustration, stating emphatically, “It was a clear penalty.” To this, a visibly upset Vinícius replied bluntly, “He didn’t call it because it was me—a clear penalty.” This exchange highlighted not only Vinícius’s belief that he was wronged but also pointed to a broader concern regarding consistency in officiating.

A Match of Missed Opportunities

Despite securing three points from the match, the incident left a bitter aftertaste for Real Madrid. The victory was vital as they continue their campaign in La Liga, but moments like these can have lasting implications on player morale and team dynamics. As they look ahead to their next fixtures, questions loom over whether they can maintain their momentum amid such controversies.

With this win, Real Madrid remains in contention for the top spots in La Liga, but they must address these officiating issues to avoid future frustrations. Can they navigate through this tumultuous period while keeping their focus on the title race? Only time will tell.