Kylian Mbappé explained that his penalty was dedicated to Brahim Díaz

Real Madrid has once again asserted its absolute authority in LaLiga, and once again, Kylian Mbappé was the undisputed protagonist. The French superstar broke the deadlock with a clinical strike at the start of the second half and put the game to bed in stoppage time from the penalty spot. With this brace, the "Number 10" has already reached 20 goals in LaLiga, fueling Real Madrid's relentless pursuit of the title in this 2025-26 campaign.

The most talked-about moment came in the final seconds of the match. After winning the penalty himself, Mbappé stepped up to take responsibility. Instead of a traditional power strike, he opted for a definition dripping with personality: a subtle Panenka that left goalkeeper Luiz Júnior rooted to the spot. The stadium erupted as the ball floated into the net, sealing a victory that keeps Madrid at the top of the table.

However, the technical brilliance of the goal was quickly overshadowed by the emotional weight behind it. The execution seemed to be a direct nod to Brahim Díaz, who had recently returned to the squad after a bittersweet month with the Moroccan national team.

Brahim Díaz returned to Valdebebas carrying the heavy burden of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Rabat. As the captain of the Moroccan side, Brahim had led his country to the final on home soil, only to face a devastating defeat against Senegal. The playmaker missed a crucial penalty in the shootout—a mistake that ultimately cost Morocco the trophy.

The atmosphere for Brahim was further complicated during the match against Villarreal. In a strange twist of fate, segments of the crowd paid tribute to Le Havre’s Pape Gueye, the hero who scored the winning goal for Senegal in that very final. Witnessing a celebration of his own sporting tragedy from the bench was a test of Brahim's emotional resilience.

Kylian Mbappé, acutely aware of his teammate's suffering, chose the moment of his 20th league goal to showcase the squad's internal unity. As the cameras zoomed in on the celebration, Mbappé bypassed the usual cheers to point directly at Brahim on the sidelines. His message was clear and captured by every microphone in the stadium: "Por ti" (For you).

The two shared a powerful embrace moments later, a public display of support that resonated with the Madridistas. For Mbappé, this wasn't just about his race for the Pichichi; it was about protecting a brother-in-arms. This level of leadership has become a hallmark of the Arbeloa era, where the "Galáctico" egos have been replaced by a "one-for-all" mentality.

The Real Madrid locker room has been vocal in its support for Brahim, both on social media and behind closed doors. Mbappé’s gesture wasn't just a highlight for the season review; it was a potent image of a united group. In a season defined by high pressure and a congested calendar, these emotional bonds are what Arbeloa considers the "invisible pillar" of the team’s success.

As Real Madrid looks toward the final stretch of the season, the image of the world's best player dedicating a goal to a grieving teammate serves as a warning to their rivals: this team isn't just talented—they are unbreakable.