Article by Daniel Grigore – published on Thursday, April 17, 2025, 23:00 / Updated Thursday, April 17, 2025 23:02
Rafael Van Der Vaart, 42, former footballer including Real Madrid, did not house Bukayo Saka for the way Arsenal executed the penalty he benefited from “Santiago Bernabeu”.
Saka's execution was blocked by Thibaut Courtois, but Arsenal qualified anyway without emotions, winning by 2-1 in Real's house After 3-0 in the tour, on Emirates. The first goal of the match in the capital of Spain was scored by Bukayo, but from the action, in the second part of the match.
Rafael Van der Vaart, former midfielder at Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham, recognized for the harsh comments he makes as an analyst, did not house Saka for “Pannka” with whom he wanted to beat Courtois, a completely missed execution.
Rafael Van der Vaart, after Real Madrid – Arsenal: “What Saka did is an absolute shame!”
“I think it was completely overestimated! He thought,” I'll give the blow. “But he is a normal player, who has to give everything every day. What he did is an absolute shame!
If he did this, I would say, “Okay, it was not smart, but what he demonstrated has the right to try this.” But Saka? He thinks he's among the best in the world!”, Tunat Van der Vaart on the Ziggo Sport television, quoted by Sportnieuw.nl.
Van der vaart did not forgive him either on the Asencio riverReal Madrid's stooper who challenged the penalty by pulling Mikel Merino without the balloon heading to his country:
“The ball didn't even go to him! How to do this as a defender? It's not the smartest thing.”
