What Xabi Alonso and Vinicius said to each other after penalty controversy vs Alaves | OneFootball

Real Madrid secured a vital 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Sunday, offering a much-needed lifeline to manager Xabi Alonso after a turbulent week.

However, the relief of the three points was overshadowed by a late refereeing controversy that has left the Los Blancos dressing room fuming.

While the win was secured thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, the talking point arrived in the 89th minute when Vinicius Jr. appeared to be brought down in the box by Alaves defender Nahuel Tenaglia.

The referee Victor Garcia Verdura waved play on, and the VAR official chose not to intervene, sparking outrage on the Madrid bench.

Xabi and Vini’s conversation

On a bright note, though, the incident did lead to a moment of unity between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius Junior, with both agreeing that it should have been a penalty.

Xabi Alonso agreed with Vinicius about the penalty incident. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

When Vinicius was substituted for Franco Mastantuono moments after the denied penalty, cameras from Movistar captured an exchange between the two on the touchline.

As Vinicius approached the bench, Xabi Alonso embraced him and was seen validating the player’s frustration, telling him (h/t MARCA), “It was very clear.”

Vinicius agreed, stating, “He doesn’t whistle because it’s me, [it was a] clear penalty.”

Alonso doubled down on this sentiment in his post-match press conference.

“It seemed very clear to me. Vini was moving very fast, and there was contact. I’m surprised they didn’t go to VAR. Having said that, we’re not surprised. We must keep going,” he said during the press conference.

Regardless of what should have happened, though, the unity between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius will be pleasing to the eye for Real Madrid fans, as they hope for better days ahead.