Real Madrid secured a convincing victory against Valencia, but a missed penalty by Vinicius Junior cast a shadow over the match. While failing to convert a penalty isn’t catastrophic, in the current atmosphere surrounding the club, it has sparked renewed discussions about whether Kylian Mbappé should continue allowing Vinicius to take spot-kicks. The Brazilian’s penalty conversion rate hovers below 80%, which raises eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the setback, Vinicius delivered a commendable performance against Valencia, showcasing his talent with several brilliant plays. However, as noted by AS columnist Santi Siguero, “Vinicius Junior responded well to last week’s controversy with a solid match, yet he should forget about taking penalties. He possesses many qualities, but penalty-taking is not one of them.” This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that perhaps it’s time for Vinicius to step back from the spot-kick duties.
Underlying Tensions
The decision to let Vinicius take the penalty is seen by some as indicative of deeper issues within the squad. On Cadena SER, analyst Julio Pulido remarked, “This isn’t a crisis that’s been resolved; it’s merely been addressed publicly.” He emphasized that Xabi Alonso‘s decision to start Vinicius against Valencia was tactical brilliance, allowing the player to regain confidence while also managing potential tensions within the team. “Alonso knows how to handle this situation expertly,” added Chazarri, highlighting that the coach’s management style is vital for team cohesion.
The Coach’s Perspective
Xabi Alonso has demonstrated his commitment to nurturing Vinicius during this pivotal time. “The crisis is over until Vinicius chooses to reignite it; that’s beyond Alonso’s control,” remarked Pablo Pinto. He underscored that substituting Vinicius often comes with its own set of complications. Pulido further noted Alonso’s understanding of the club’s desire to avoid media sensationalism while focusing on recovering Vinicius’ best form. “Alonso’s short-term decision is crucial; he needs Vinicius performing at his peak right now,” he stated.
As Real Madrid looks ahead, the focus will be on whether Vinicius can channel his skills into more productive areas on the pitch while leaving penalty duties behind. With upcoming fixtures on the horizon, fans will be eager to see how this situation unfolds and whether changes will be made in set-piece responsibilities.
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