The atmosphere at Real Madrid took an unexpected turn during the goalless draw against Getafe at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez. The moment that caught everyone’s attention involved Franco Mastantuono, who was visibly frustrated after a brief exchange with David Alaba over who would take a free kick late in the first half.

What happened between Mastantuono and Alaba?

The incident occurred when Madrid earned a dangerous free kick near the opponent’s box. Confident and determined, Mastantuono stepped up to take it, but Alaba, relying on his seniority, quickly grabbed the ball and made it clear that he would be the one to strike it.

Cameras caught the young Argentine visibly upset after the exchange. Alaba appeared to explain his decision, but Mastantuono’s expression showed clear disagreement. The sequence didn’t go unnoticed, as fans quickly reacted on social media after the match.

A night to forget for the young Argentine

Beyond the brief disagreement, it wasn’t a great night for Mastantuono. The attacking midfielder struggled to make an impact — his touches were inconsistent, and he was often dispossessed by Getafe’s defense. Unable to find rhythm, he was substituted in the second half for Vinícius Júnior, who brought new energy and helped change the tempo of the game.

Growing pains in a demanding environment

The incident with Alaba can be seen as a reflection of Mastantuono’s ambition, but it also highlights the learning curve he still faces. At just 18 years old, the Argentine is adjusting to the expectations, hierarchy, and pressure that come with wearing the Real Madrid shirt.

The club remains confident in his potential and sees him as a long-term asset, but episodes like this underline the importance of combining talent with maturity. Inside Valdebebas, his competitive nature is appreciated — as long as it’s channeled constructively within the team’s structure.

As Mastantuono continues to gain experience in his first full season with the club, he’s learning that at Real Madrid, opportunities are earned through performance, discipline, and composure — three traits that define those who succeed at the highest level.