Xabi Alonso Settles Real Madrid's Penalty Drama with Decisive Declaration

Although Vinícius Júnior stepped forward to take the penalty against Villarreal, Xabi Alonso confirmed that Kylian Mbappé remains Real Madrid's designated penalty specialist.

The French striker has already netted 14 goals for Los Blancos this campaign, with five of those coming from the penalty spot. Indeed, Mbappé has maintained a flawless record from twelve yards in 2025–26, successfully converting each penalty opportunity presented to him.

However, it was Vinícius Júnior who assumed penalty duties during Real Madrid's 3–1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday night. The Brazilian had a quick discussion with Mbappé before claiming the ball and facing goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, seeking to secure his first double of the campaign.

The penalty execution wasn't particularly impressive and could reasonably have been stopped, but Vinícius Júnior managed to score nonetheless, capitalizing on Mbappé's generous gesture.

After the game, Alonso addressed the situation directly: "Kylian remains our penalty taker, he's the designated specialist, but today they made the decision between themselves about who would take it."

Vinícius Júnior earned the penalty through an explosive dash into the penalty area, prompting a clumsy, panicked tackle from Rafa Marín. Mbappé seemed to acknowledge his teammate's contribution by allowing him to take the resulting spot kick.

Real Madrid Seeking to Overcome Penalty Struggles

During the era when Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Sergio Ramos took penalties, Real Madrid could virtually guarantee a conversion. However, following the exit of these three icons, spot kicks have become a significant vulnerability for the Spanish powerhouse.

In the previous season alone, Los Blancos squandered seven penalties, more than any other major European club. Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde all failed from twelve yards at least once, with the French forward recording the most misses with three.

But under Alonso's guidance, Mbappé has been clinical from the penalty spot, scoring against Kairat, Levante, Marseille (on two occasions) and Osasuna. His unsuccessful attempts against Liverpool, Athletic Club and Real Sociedad in 2024–25 have faded into the past.

Mbappé aims to maintain this reliability as he pursues his early bid for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award.