Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, December 15, 2025, 08:42 / Updated Monday, December 15, 2025 08:46
Real Madrid won away at Alaves, 2-1. It was the first victory after two consecutive failures, suffered at the “Bernabeu” against Celta Vigo (0-2) and Manchester City (1-2).
Real Madrid does not manage the referees even when they win! In the 87th minute of the match at Alaves, with the score 2-1 for Xabi Alonso's team, Vinicius jr fell in the box, after a duel with Tenaglia. But the “central” Víctor García Verdura refused the requested penalty, and even VAR did not intervene to correct it.
Marca specialist Perez Burrull: “They should have shown him the yellow card”
The daily Marca specialist, former FIFA referee Perez Burrull, has no doubts. “The Brazilian had control of the ball and was fouled by Tenaglia. If the referee thought Vinicius had dived, he should have shown him the yellow card,” Pérez Burrull told Radio MARCA's “Marcador” show.
After being replaced by Xabi Alonso, “Vini” also spoke about the controversial phase, in front of the cameras of Movistar+ television. “He didn't give a penalty because it was me. It was a clear penalty kick!” commented the South American striker, known for his temperamental character.
Xabi Alonso: “It doesn't surprise me anymore that VAR didn't notify the referee”
Xabi Alonso? “Vinicius's penalty seems very clear to me. But it doesn't surprise me anymore that VAR didn't notify the referee, let him go and review the phase. I think you understand what I mean,” pointed out the coach of Real Madrid.
The multiple champion of Spain has recently been fighting a real war with the referees in La Liga. And his television channel, “Real Madrid TV”, does not stop putting all the “centrals” and assistants who supposedly disadvantage the white team.
Xabi Alonso “broke” the black streak and avoided dismissal
In other news, the victory at Alaves was a real breath of fresh air for Xabi Alonso after two consecutive failures, 0-2 against Celta in La Liga and 1-2 against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Xabi had received an ultimatum before the game and if he lost again this time he would be replaced. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, now global head of football at Red Bull, has been floated as well as Zinedine Zidane, out of a job, for a term until the end of the season.
