Real Madrid’s narrow 2–1 victory over Alavés at Mendizorroza was again marred by another refereeing controversy — this time involving Vinícius Jr., whose electric run late in the match should have resulted in a clear penalty.
Moments after Madrid took the lead, Vinícius picked up the ball on the left and burst into the penalty area, evading two Alavés defenders with pace and close control. As he entered the box, defender Nahuel Tenaglia impeded his run, making contact that clearly disrupted the Brazilian’s
stride.
It looked like a textbook penalty.
Instead, referee García Verdura waved play on. Even more baffling was the silence from VAR, where González Fuertes failed to intervene or recommend an on-field review. The incident went entirely unpunished.
The decision infuriated the Real Madrid bench and players alike. In a match where Madrid were struggling to close things out, the penalty would have provided breathing room and likely killed the game. Instead, the contest remained tense until the final whistle.
Movistar’s cameras later caught a revealing exchange between Vinícius and Xabi Alonso as the winger was substituted. Alonso was unequivocal in his assessment, telling his player: “It was a clear penalty.” Vinícius, visibly frustrated, responded bluntly: “He didn’t call it because it was me — a clear penalty.”
While Real Madrid ultimately secured the three points, the incident left a bitter aftertaste.
