A Solid Madrid and Heated Atmosphere in LaLiga

Real Madrid comfortably overcame their league fixture this weekend, strengthening their lead in a season where expectations are sky-high following the arrival of Xabi Alonso on the bench. At the Santiago Bernabéu, the Merengues once again showed solidity and firepower, with key figures such as Vinicius Junior, Bellingham, and Rodrygo boosting their title credentials with every match.

However, the LaLiga headlines weren’t only about Madrid’s win. Attention shifted to Vallecas, where a controversial penalty on Lamine Yamal during the Rayo Vallecano–Barcelona clash ignited debate. The incident could not be reviewed by VAR due to a technical failure at that point in the game, multiplying criticism of Spanish refereeing and sparking nationwide discussion.

Xabi Alonso and the Awkward Question

In this heated context, even Xabi Alonso couldn’t escape the controversy. The Madrid coach arrived early at Valdebebas for training and took a moment to sign autographs for fans waiting outside the training ground.

Among them was a camera from El Chiringuito de Jugones, whose reporter asked him directly about the Lamine penalty incident in Vallecas. With a touch of irony and a smile, Xabi replied: “I knew you were going to ask me about that.” He then refused to go further, closing the matter with elegance: “I’m here to sign,” he said while greeting supporters.

The Debate Continues

Xabi’s words—or rather his decision to dodge the topic—reflect the tense atmosphere surrounding refereeing in LaLiga. While Real Madrid continues its steady march toward the title, Barcelona accumulates frustration between inconsistent results and referee complaints. The penalty on Lamine Yamal is sure to remain a talking point throughout the week, keeping the divide alive between Madridistas, Culés, and neutrals.