Mbappé dedicates panenka to Diaz in Real Madrid win

Kylian Mbappé paid tribute to team-mate Brahim Díaz after scoring a Panenka penalty in Real Madrid’s 2-0 La Liga win over Villarreal, a result that sent Los Blancos top of the table.

The France captain scored twice on Saturday night, sealing victory with a late spot-kick delicately chipped down the middle.

Moments after converting, broadcast cameras caught Mbappé shouting “For you, for you,” in the direction of Díaz, later confirming the gesture was dedicated to the Morocco international.

The celebration came days after Díaz endured heartbreak at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he missed a decisive Panenka penalty in Morocco’s final defeat to Senegal.

Díaz was introduced late in the match at Villarreal, but Mbappé’s gesture ensured the focus briefly shifted to his team-mate’s recent international disappointment.

AFCON heartbreak still fresh

Díaz had impressed throughout the AFCON but saw his tournament end painfully after missing a controversial penalty in the final. Senegal eventually won the match in extra time following a long delay and protests.

After the defeat, Díaz took responsibility, writing on social media: “Yesterday I failed and I take full responsibility. I apologise from the bottom of my heart… I will keep going forward until one day I can give you all this love back and become a source of pride for my Moroccan people.”

Mbappé’s tribute was widely seen as a show of solidarity from within the Madrid dressing room.

Madrid back on top

Mbappé’s brace took him to 21 league goals this season and helped Real Madrid leapfrog Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The win continued a positive run under head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso earlier in the campaign.

Despite not being at their fluent best, Madrid controlled key moments of the game and capitalised through their star forward.

Arbeloa praised Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior after the match, saying: “They’re the best players in the world, two really dangerous players. We’re very happy with the form they’re in and, above all, with the work they’re doing.”

Vinícius, who has endured a difficult season marked by goal droughts and criticism, was also singled out for his performance.

“What we’re seeing is a great Vinícius. We’re so lucky to have him,” Arbeloa added.

Real Madrid now hold a narrow lead at the summit, though Barcelona can reclaim top spot if they beat Oviedo on Sunday. Los Blancos host Rayo Vallecano next on 1 February.