Valdepenas was handed his senior debut for Real Madrid only days ago against Alaves by head coach Xabi Alonso, a decision shaped as much by necessity as by belief. Injuries and suspensions across Madrid’s back line have forced Alonso to lean on youth, and Valdepenas was thrust into the spotlight at a moment when the pressure on the manager was already intense. arrived at the Estadio de Mendizorroza under scrutiny, having won just two of their previous eight matches. That run had fuelled speculation about Alonso’s future, with reports suggesting that defeat in any of his next three games could have put his job at risk. Victory over Alaves, secured by a Rodrygo strike, offered some respite, but the performance again underlined the fragility of Madrid’s defensive resources. With Alvaro Carreras suspended, Alonso turned to Valdepenas at left-back, despite the youngster being more accustomed to operating centrally. It was a significant moment for a player still forging his reputation at the senior level, and one that did not go unnoticed beyond Spain.