Former Real Madrid winger questions Vinicius’ penalty decision: ‘It was terrible” | OneFootball

Real Madrid delivered a dominant performance against Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing a 3-0 victory in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

The Spanish side controlled the match for long periods and took a major step toward the quarter-finals thanks to an outstanding display from Federico Valverde, who scored a hat-trick in the first half.

Despite the convincing result, one moment late in the game became a major talking point. 

Real Madrid were awarded a penalty in the second half that could have extended the lead to 4-0. 

Vinicius Jr. stepped up to take the spot kick, but his attempt was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Criticism from former winger

After the match, former Real Madrid and Liverpool winger Steve McManaman did not hold back in his assessment of the penalty.

McManaman criticised both the technique and the decision behind the attempt.

Vinicius Jr. missed a penalty. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I don’t like these penalties at all. If you take it ‘Panenka-style’ or something like that, you have to score, because otherwise if you hit it hard and the goalkeeper saves it… well. 

“When you take it like that, it’s because you want to show off. It was a terrible penalty. If it had been 0-0, he wouldn’t have taken it like that,” McManaman said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

A dominant night for Real Madrid

Even with the missed penalty, the overall story of the night was Real Madrid’s strong performance against one of Europe’s most powerful teams.

Before the match, many observers expected Manchester City to dominate the tie, given their recent form and attacking strength. 

However, Real Madrid produced a disciplined and clinical display that caught the English side off guard.

Manchester City tried to control possession, but Real Madrid’s pace and attacking transitions proved decisive.

Valverde’s three goals in the first half effectively settled the contest and gave Real Madrid a comfortable advantage before the second leg.