A player wearing the Real Madrid jersey in front of the Atlético de Madrid crest in a lit-up stadium.
FIRST TEAM

Atlético Fans Heat Up the Derby with a Planned Attack on Vinícius

The Brazilian footballer is in the spotlight of Atlético's fans

Real Madrid has a very important match ahead in its competitive calendar. Besides the matches to be played in LaLiga, a competition where no result can be ruled out yet, Carlo Ancelotti's players are looking to qualify for the quarter-finals. The Champions League match at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano will be a high-tension encounter.

Especially for one of the footballers who could be decisive for the outcome of the match and the tie: Vinícius Jr. Real Madrid's '7' will arrive at a key match in the season both collectively and individually, as he is not experiencing his best records since becoming a Madridist. The ideal moment to change them is, without a doubt, this Champions League match.

Two players compete for the ball in a match, one wearing a white uniform and the other wearing a red and white striped uniform, while the crowd watches from the stands.
Vinícius and Rodrigo de Paul compete for a ball in a Madrid classic | Real Madrid Confidencial

The merengue striker knows he will receive a hostile reception at Atlético de Madrid's stadium. The constant controversies between the colchonero crowd and the Real Madrid forward have created a close enmity that leaves several unbelievable moments. The latest is a campaign by Atlético fans to mock the verdeamarelo striker next Wednesday.

The official Atlético de Madrid store sells several products for use on the beach, including a ball. On social media, an initiative has emerged to throw, from some sections of the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stands, several of these ballsto mock Real Madrid's '7'... due to his defeat in the Ballon d'Or last October.

Another Twist

With chants like "Vinícius, beach ball", several Spanish soccer fans have tried to offend the player from São Gonçalo for what happened in Paris several months ago. All forecasts predicted Vinícius Jr. as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but a leak warned Real Madrid otherwise just hours before their departure.

Supposedly arriving from Manchester City, this warning changed the white club's plans and marked a new chapter in the long list of disagreements between Real Madrid and UEFA. Since then, those most against Vinícius have used this argument to try to mock him. Although they haven't been very successful judging by what has been seen on the playing fields.

A player in a Real Madrid training uniform raises his hand on the field.
Vinícius Jr. during the warm-up of a match with Real Madrid | Real Madrid Confidencial

Vinícius is clear that he must continue working harder than ever to regain the ground lost during this season. The injuries suffered, as well as the team's repositioning due to Kylian Mbappé's arrival, have caused him to lose ground in the race for that UEFA and France Football award. The remedy most within his reach is to have an excellent Champions League knockout stage.

The first great opportunity is in the second leg of the round of 16 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, which is preparing an unfriendly reception for the Real Madrid striker. It remains to be seen if this initiative, as happened in Manchester, ends up taking a toll on its instigators.

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