When the Penalty Went Missing: Vinícius Júnior Takes Aim at a Referee’s Call

What happened on the field

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior argued that a clear penalty was not given in the 2-1 La Liga win over Deportivo Alavés on Sunday, during matchweek 16. The Brazilian was fouled inside the Alavés box in the second half, but referee García Verdura did not award a spot kick and did not consult the VAR monitor.

The official’s decision stood despite the apparent contact, and the VAR team did not intervene to review the scene, leaving Madrid players and fans frustrated.

Reactions from Vinícius and Alonso

After being substituted, Vinícius told coach Xabi Alonso that the call was obvious: it should have been a penalty. Cameras captured a handshake in which Alonso replied, "It was very clear." Madrid’s television channel joined the debate, criticizing the refereeing crew and the decision not to use video review.

Vinícius reiterated his claim in post-match comments: "It should have been mine... a clear penalty." Alonso supported the player, reinforcing the contention that the call had a tangible impact on the match.

Madrid’s channel also questioned refereeing appointments and the broader issue of fairness in La Liga, echoing a familiar narrative of bias accusations. And now, for a touch of levity: if penalties came with a glare cam, this moment would have been a blockbuster with a director’s cut.