Kylian Mbappé once again commanded global attention with a moment of striking composure, producing a cheeky Panenka penalty just days after a similar attempt by teammate Brahim Díaz ended in heartbreak on Africa’s biggest stage.
The French forward scored twice as Real Madrid claimed a composed 2–0 away victory over Villarreal on Saturday, January 24, 2026, a result that propelled Los Blancos to the top of the La Liga table.
Madrid were made to work hard in Castellón, with Villarreal staying compact and disciplined throughout the first half. However, Mbappé broke the deadlock shortly after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, he reacted fastest inside the penalty area to finish clinically, underlining his sharp movement and anticipation.
Villarreal continued to battle and limited Madrid’s space, but the visitors always looked capable of striking again. The decisive moment arrived late in the match when Real Madrid were awarded a penalty. Mbappé stepped up with complete confidence and opted for finesse rather than power, delicately chipping the ball down the middle to beat goalkeeper Luiz Júnior and secure the three points.
The Panenka penalty sparked widespread discussion online, not only because of its audacity but also due to its timing. Only six days earlier, Brahim Díaz had missed a crucial Panenka for Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final against Senegal, a moment that proved decisive in the outcome of the tournament. While both situations carried immense pressure, the contrasting results reignited debate around nerve, execution, and decision-making from the penalty spot.
Fans on social media were quick to draw comparisons, with many praising Mbappé’s composure and mental strength, while others suggested Díaz could learn from the Frenchman’s execution.
Mbappé’s brace took his La Liga tally to 21 goals in 20 appearances, strengthening his grip on the Pichichi race and underlining his importance to Madrid during a demanding phase of the season.
Speaking after the match, interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa highlighted the impact of his attacking players. “They are two of the best players in the world. They break down defences, and we try to get them as many touches as possible,” he said. “Winning here has great merit, and it is the result of a collective effort.”
For Villarreal, it was another frustrating evening. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey came on in the second half in place of Dani Parejo, but his introduction could not prevent a second consecutive defeat in all competitions.
The contrast between Mbappé’s flawless Panenka and Díaz’s AFCON final miss has since become a talking point across the football world, serving as a reminder that at the highest level, confidence and execution often make the decisive difference.
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