Vini and Xabi Alonso finally agree on something

Real Madrid were simmering on a low flame, and it was anything but comfortable for Xabi Alonso. He paced the Mendizorroza pitch like a lion in a cage. In the end, he could breathe a sigh of relief — he survived Alaves and bought himself a bit more time. How much? That will depend on the results. The Royal Club edged past Alaves with great difficulty. Rodrygo finally showed up in La Liga after 11 months (having scored recently in the Champions League as well) and secured all three points. And once again, as so often, it wasn’t the Brazilian who grabbed the headlines on the Iberian Peninsula, but the more hot-headed one. Vinícius was in the spotlight.

Mbappe, Rodrygo rescue Xabi Alonso’s job

Despite going more than two months without a goal, there is always some kind of uproar around him — mostly because of his gestures or what he says. He didn’t talk much on the pitch against the Basque side either, but there was one move that got him shouting again. Vinícius got past two defenders, twisted and turned, and went down in the penalty area after feeling contact from Nahuel Tenaglia. It looked like a penalty, but referee García Verdura waved play on, and there was no call from the VAR room either.

In the closing stages, just before stoppage time, Xabi Alonso substituted him, and the two exchanged a few words about the controversial moment.

“It was a clear penalty,” said the Real Madrid coach, to which the Brazilian replied:

“He didn’t give it because it was on me — a clear penalty.”

Board meeting over Alonso's future

The conversation was caught by Movistar cameras, and during the broadcast it was evident — as in previous matches — that relations have been smoothed over, or at least that is how the Royal Club want to present them. After celebrating the goal with Rodrygo, Vinícius ran over to embrace Xabi Alonso.

“The action seemed clear to me. I'm surprised it wasn't reviewed by VAR. We have to move on. Although it doesn't surprise us. What doesn't surprise me? That they don't go to VAR. You know what I mean" said Xabi after the game.

LA LIGA - ROUND 16

Friday

Sociedad - Girona 1-2 (1-0)

/Guedes 35 - Tsygankov 76, 84/

Saturday

Atletico Madrid - Valencia 2-1 (1-0)

/Koke 17, Griezmann 74 - Beltran 63/

Mallorca - Elche 3-1 (1-1)

/Morlanes 5, Mascarell 82, Muriqi 89 - Maffeo 21 og/

Barcelona - Osasuna 2-0 (0-0)

/Raphinha 70, 86/

Getafe - Espanyol 0-1 (0-0)

/Cabrera 53/

Sunday

Sevilla - Oviedo 4-0 (2-0)

/Adams 4, Sow 22, Mendy 51, Ejuke 89/

Celta - Ath. Bilbao 2-0 (2-0)

/Swedberg 48, El-Abdellaoui 55/

Levante - Villareal POSTPONED

Alaves - Real Madrid 1-2 (0-1)

/Vicente 68 - Mbappe 24, Rodrygo 76/

Monday

23.00: (2.60) Rayo Vallecano (3.50) Betis (2.80)