In a commanding 4-0 victory over Valencia, Real Madrid‘s Vinicius Jr. found himself at the center of controversy following a crucial missed penalty. The Brazilian winger had the opportunity to score his third goal of the match after Kylian Mbappé, who netted a brace in just 31 minutes, selflessly allowed Vinicius to take the spot-kick. However, the decision backfired as Vinicius failed to convert, leading to criticism from various quarters, including former Madrid player Jorge Valdano.
Valdano, who played for Real Madrid from 1994 to 1996, did not hold back in his assessment during the Fútbol program. He labeled Vinicius as “uncontrollable” and highlighted the inconsistency in his penalty-taking abilities. In a discussion about irregular penalty takers, Valdano firmly stated that Mbappé should be the designated penalty shooter, saying, “Right now, the one fighting for the Golden Shoe and scoring them is Mbappé.” This pointed remark underscores the growing pressure on Vinicius amidst a challenging period for him.
Coach’s Reaction
Following the match, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso addressed the missed penalty, emphasizing the club’s hierarchy regarding penalty responsibilities. “For us, the designated taker is Kylian,” he stated, clearly indicating that Mbappé is preferred for such situations. Alonso expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity but also acknowledged Vinicius’s overall performance in the match. “Despite missing the penalty, he had a very good game,” Alonso noted, which may provide some comfort to Vinicius as he navigates through a rough patch of form.
Support from Fans
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his missed penalty, Vinicius received an outpouring of support from fans during his substitution in the 79th minute, as they showered him with applause. This gesture reflects their recognition of his contributions on the pitch and their desire to see him regain his confidence. As he continues to face criticism, it remains crucial for Vinicius to harness this support and focus on improving his game moving forward.
The question now looms: Can Vinicius bounce back from this setback and reclaim his spot as one of Real Madrid’s key players? With matches coming thick and fast, time will tell if he can turn this moment into motivation.
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