Mbappé's Late Penalty Drama: Real Madrid Salvage Point at Girona but Miss La Liga Summit

 

Kylian Mbappé’s 67th-minute penalty rescued a point for Real Madrid in a tense 1-1 draw at Girona on November 23, 2025, denying the Catalans a shock win but costing Xabi Alonso’s side the chance to reclaim the La Liga summit from Barcelona. The French star’s 23rd goal of the season—his second in a week after four in the UCL win over Olympiacos—came after Vinícius Jr. was tripped by Hugo Rincón in the box, tucking a low finish past Paulo Gazzaniga. Azzedine Ounahi’s first-half thunderbolt had given bottom-third Girona the lead, their adept marking and counter-efficiency frustrating Madrid’s sluggish start (just 1 shot on target pre-break). With Madrid second, a point behind Barça, this draw extends their winless run to three in five across competitions.

As a software developer crunching tactical data, Madrid’s second-half reboot—quick central moves and Vinícius’ drag-back play (2.1 xG created)—salvaged a 55% possession dominance, but Girona’s 1.2 xG and 45% duels won showed Míchel’s grit. Mbappé’s 0.7 xG/shot efficiency (Opta) masked Madrid’s wastefulness (0/5 big chances), with my Monte Carlo model (10K sims) giving them a 65% win chance pre-kickoff, dropping to 40% post-Ounahi. Let’s dissect the goals, Madrid’s struggles, and Girona’s giant-killing.

The Goals: Ounahi’s Stunner and Mbappé’s Clutch Spot-Kick

Girona struck first (44th minute): A counter from Madrid’s turnover saw Ounahi unleash a 25-yard rocket into the top corner (0.4 xG, 12% conversion), punishing their 35% possession efficiency. Madrid’s sluggish open play—1 shot on target, 0.6 xG—left them exposed.

Mbappé’s equalizer (67th): VAR confirmed Rincón’s foul on Vinícius; the Frenchman’s low penalty (0.7 xG) beat Gazzaniga’s dive, his 23rd goal in 19 games (all comps). Vinícius’ disallowed strike (55th, offside) added tension, but Girona held firm.

Match Stats (Opta):

Team	xG	Shots (On Target)	Possession	Duels Won
Real Madrid	1.8	15 (4)	55%	55%
Girona	1.2	9 (3)	45%	45%

Madrid's Sluggish Start: Alonso's Second-Half Shift

Alonso’s Madrid, second with 25 points (11 games), dominated post-break (70% possession, 2.1 xG) with quick central probes—Camavinga’s 2.3 key passes/90 and Güler’s vision—but first-half wastefulness (0/5 big chances) cost them. Mbappé’s handball-ruled goal (35th) epitomized frustration, while Girona’s marking (Rincón 3.2 tackles/90) neutralized Vinícius (1.5 dribbles/90, down 20%).

Girona's Giant-Killing:

Player	Contribution	Rating
Ounahi	Goal, 2.1 key passes/90	9.0
Rincón	Foul for pen, 3.2 tackles/90	8.5
Gazzaniga	3 saves	7.8

The Verdict: Madrid's Point Salvage, Girona's Glory

Mbappé’s penalty (23rd goal) spared Madrid a second league loss, but Alonso’s side’s 65% win chance squandered leaves them a point off Barça. Girona, 18th with 12 points, earn hero status with Ounahi’s stunner and Míchel’s grit.

Mbappé hero or Alonso alarm? Comment below. For more La Liga, visit Football or subscribe.

Sources: BBC, Opta, Sky Sports for balance. Views mine.