
Giorgi Mamardashvili (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved a penalty against Real Madrid and joked that Vinicius Junior still owes him €50 after they bet before the spot-kick.
Giorgi Mamardashvili delivered a match-winning performance in Valencia’s historic 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, but it was his post-match revelation that added an unexpected twist to the story.
The Georgian goalkeeper revealed that he made a light-hearted €50 bet with Vinicius Junior before facing a penalty at the Santiago Bernabeu, confident he could stop it. And he did just that—though the Brazilian has yet to pay up.
"I asked Vinicius if we were going to bet 50 euros that I would save a penalty. He agreed and... I won," Mamardashvili said after the game. "He should have paid me after the game, but he didn't. I reminded him about it, but he didn’t give me the money."
The 23-year-old made eight saves in total, including five from inside the penalty area, playing a key role in securing Valencia’s first away win over Real Madrid in 17 years. The victory also deals a major blow to Madrid’s title ambitions.
Despite Valencia's mid-table struggles this season, Mamardashvili’s performances continue to draw praise. With speculation linking him to Liverpool this summer, the Georgian shot-stopper is expected to be one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the upcoming transfer window.
Joking aside, Mamardashvili’s bet with Vinicius only adds to his growing reputation as a confident, charismatic leader between the posts—one who now has both bragging rights and, supposedly, 50 euros owed.