Xabi Alonso struggles with the 'penalty kick dilemma'

Real Madrid is flourishing under Xabi Alonso, yet beneath their strong run is an ongoing debate at the penalty spot, with Mbappe and Vinicius causing the Spanish manager headaches over who should be the primary penalty shooter.

Under coach Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid is gradually restoring its image as a top club. Their disciplined, balanced, and highly organized style makes the "Los Blancos" tougher to beat than ever. However, amidst this overall stability, a small but persistent issue unsettles Alonso: who should take responsibility for penalty kicks?

Since Alonso took charge, Real Madrid has played with more discipline and clarity compared to Carlo Ancelotti’s final phase. Players clearly understand their roles and the system operates smoothly. Nevertheless, within this disciplined squad, uncertainty at the penalty spot remains a concern for the young coach.

The latest incident happened in their 4-0 win over Valencia. When Real earned a penalty, Vinicius Jr. stepped up but failed to beat the opposing goalkeeper. Alonso’s frown on the sidelines said it all. According to Spanish media, Kylian Mbappe, who was designated as the first-choice penalty taker, voluntarily gave his turn to Vinicius. While this showed team unity, Alonso saw it as a sign of inconsistency in their penalty-taking policy.

So far this season, Real Madrid has been awarded six penalties, but almost every time the referee points to the spot, the question arises: “Who will take it?” Mbappe’s two consecutive misses in El Clasico and Vinicius’s failure against Valencia have clearly shaken confidence in penalty execution.

Experts believe Alonso must make a decisive call soon to restore order. Mbappe boasts a higher success rate and has proven his composure in big matches. Giving the French superstar full authority could prevent confusion and help rebuild the team’s confidence.

A penalty kick is not only a scoring chance but also a demonstration of courage and unity within the locker room. For Alonso, establishing clear order at the penalty spot will be the final step in shaping Real Madrid into a team aiming for every trophy.