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Mbappé Dedicates Panenka to Díaz as Real Madrid Go Top in Win at Villarreal

He presented the stoppage-time penalty as a message of support following Díaz’s AFCON miss.

Overview

  • Kylian Mbappé scored twice, including a stoppage-time Panenka, to secure a 2-0 win at Villarreal that lifted Real Madrid temporarily to the top of La Liga.
  • Broadcast footage showed Mbappé saying “for you” to Brahim Díaz after the penalty before embracing him in a planned show of support.
  • Mbappé confirmed the gesture post-match, stating, “My Panenka was for Brahim Díaz,” and noted he had spoken with Achraf Hakimi about backing their teammate.
  • Brahim Díaz’s Panenka for Morocco was saved by Édouard Mendy in the AFCON final defeat to Senegal, prompting widespread criticism and a public apology.
  • Interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa praised Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior and highlighted team unity, with Díaz coming on late and celebrating the goal on the pitch.