Vinícius Júnior Faces Mixed Reactions at Champions League Match
In a recurring incident that has drawn attention, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior faced boos from sections of the crowd during the team’s Champions League clash against AS Monaco on Tuesday evening. The forward, who has been under scrutiny this season, was jeered by some fans at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium whenever he came into possession of the ball, particularly in the early stages of the match.
Gradual Ebbing of Hostility
These negative reactions, while still noticeable, were significantly less intense than those during Real’s recent league match against Levante where the jeers echoed loudly, indicating a gradual ebbing of hostility as the match progressed. Like the previous outing, Vinícius was met with disdain when his name was announced among the starters.
Speculation Surrounding Coaching Changes
The Brazilian international’s struggles this season have led to speculation regarding his performance being a factor in the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso just a week prior. Alonso’s eight-month tenure was marked by conflict, particularly with Vinícius, who reportedly did not support his coach during the latter’s time in charge.
Shift in Crowd Dynamics
However, the mood shifted when Kylian Mbappé netted the opening goal merely five minutes into the game, generating a wave of support that contrasted with the earlier jeers.
Vinícius played a vital role in the match, providing an assist for Mbappé’s second goal at the 26-minute mark, a moment of connection that was sealed with a hug from the star forward. Recently, both Mbappé and new head coach Álvaro Arbeloa have publicly rallied behind Vinícius, urging fans not to scapegoat him for the team’s difficulties.
Ambivalence Among Fans
Despite some earlier boos, a number of spectators showed support for a near miss from Vinícius in the seventh minute, illustrating the ambivalence of the fanbase. Conversely, near the 40-minute mark, as Vinícius mishandled a ball, jeers resurfaced, though they were met with cheers from other supporters. Notably, no negative remarks were aimed at club president Florentino Pérez this time, a change from the hostile reception he received during the match against Levante.
Honoring Victims and Reflecting on Past Ties
Reliving past ties, Mbappé appeared to express regret towards Monaco fans following his goal, given his former affiliation with the club. This match came on the heels of a challenging spell for Real Madrid, who had endured two crucial defeats, including one to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and an alarming exit from the Copa del Rey by Albacete. To mark the occasion, a moment of silence was also held before the match, honoring the victims of a recent train tragedy in southern Spain that claimed over 40 lives.
