Real Madrid secured a 2-1 away victory over Deportivo Alavés in La Liga Matchday 16.
But a controversial incident unfolded late in the game. In the 86th minute, Vinícius Júnior fell inside the penalty area after a challenge with Alavés defender Nahuel Tenaglia. Referee Víctor García Verdura did not award a penalty initially, and the decision was upheld even after VAR intervention. Real Madrid expressed dissatisfaction with why the referee was not asked to review the incident on the touchline.
Television cameras later captured the conversation when Vinícius was substituted. Alonso, Real Madrid’s head coach, stated directly on the sidelines that "the penalty was clear-cut." Vinícius complained on the spot: "Obviously, but they didn’t call it just because it’s me," pushing the controversy beyond the call itself to a discussion about potential bias.
