By Giorgi Mamardashvili revealed he won a €50 bet with Vinícius Jr after saving the Real Madrid forward’s penalty in Valencia’s dramatic 2-1 LaLiga win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Madrid had the chance to go ahead in the 13th minute after Kylian Mbappé was fouled in the box, but Mamardashvili denied Vinícius from the spot with a brilliant save.
“I had a conversation with Vinícius, and I won €50,” Mamardashvili told reporters after the match. “I asked him if he wanted to bet €50, and he said ‘yes.’ He ought to pay me, but he hasn’t yet.”
Vinícius later equalized in the second half, reaching 104 goals for Madrid—matching the tally of club legend Ronaldo Nazario. However, Hugo Duro struck in stoppage time to hand Valencia a crucial victory, denting Madrid’s title hopes.
The defeat leaves Madrid three points behind Barcelona in the LaLiga race, having played a game more. Vinícius, despite his milestone, was whistled by some home fans at the Bernabéu.
“A special day. It’s an honour to have scored as many goals as my idol,” Vinícius posted on social media. “A bad game, but we know where to improve. Madrid never give up. See you in London,” he added, referencing their upcoming Champions League clash with Arsenal.
