Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid winger questions Vinicius’ penalty decision: ‘It was terrible”
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.
“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.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
