Real Madrid and the penalty curse – Key stats behind an alarming pattern | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s debut under new manager Xabi Alonso was far from inspiring, as the team stumbled to a draw against Al-Hilal in their FIFA Club World Cup opener.

While hopes were high for an instant impact, expecting Alonso to completely transform the team in just four days was unrealistic. In truth, building a new identity takes time, and for Real Madrid, that journey has only just begun.

What was clear, though, is that the problems Alonso inherits are deep-rooted. One of the most glaring among them is Real Madrid’s ongoing penalty nightmare.

No other top European side struggles as much from the spot. The numbers are damning, as the club has failed to convert seven of their last 19 penalties.

During this time, Kylian Mbappe has missed three, Vinicius Jr. two, and both Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde one each.

Penalty drama continues

Federico Valverde missed a penalty against Al-Hilal. (Photo by Sandra Montanez/Getty Images)

In the latest chapter of this issue, with Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham all unavailable, Valverde stepped up to take a crucial penalty against Al-Hilal.

Unfortunately, the result was the same. Despite a powerful effort, the midfielder could not get past Al-Hilal keeper Bono, who anticipated the direction and made a smart save, diving early to his left.

This ongoing problem is now another key task for Alonso. Fixing the penalty-taking setup is no longer optional, as it is essential if Madrid are to turn tight games into wins.

In contrast, Barcelona under Hansi Flick offer a stark comparison. The Catalan giants have scored all 10 penalties awarded to them this season, highlighting both their composure and clarity from the spot.

Alonso’s Real Madrid still has a long road ahead, and while style, structure, and chemistry will come with time, the team must sort out the basics first. Starting with the penalty curse.