Soccer player celebrating a goal in a match wearing the Real Madrid uniform while a teammate runs behind and the referee watches.
Asencio Celebrating in Mendizorroza the Goal That Was Disallowed | Camara EFE
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Mendizorroza Had It in for Asencio Before the Match, It Wasn't a Coincidence

The homegrown player is being persecuted due to his open legal case, and flyers were distributed at Mendizorroza beforehand

by

Alex Moreno

Real Madrid's visit to Mendizorroza was marked by tension. Raúl Asencio was the main target. Even before the start, the atmosphere was already hostile for the white center-back.

It all began with several posters distributed around the stadium. They read: "Real Madrid, protectors of aggressors" or "Get out of here".

A sign on a granite wall displays a message against a Real Madrid player, with text in Spanish and Basque, and an image of a footballer celebrating.
Leaflets Distributed Around Mendizorroza | Redes sociales
 

The message was clear. Alavés fans didn't want to see Asencio at all.

The reason for the anger is the player's legal situation. The center-back remains charged for the alleged distribution of a sexual video of a minor. The Las Palmas Court rejected his appeal, and the case continues.

Hatred Continued During the Match

With the ball in play, the hatred moved to the stands. From the first minutes, chants like "Asencio, die" were heard. A situation the player had already experienced at the Reale Arena.

Then, the referee activated the protocol against hate. In Mendizorroza, Soto Grado took longer. It wasn't until the 78th minute that he stopped the match.

The game was paused for a few moments. Over the loudspeakers and on the scoreboard, the club issued a message of condemnation.

"Deportivo Alavés rejects and condemns any form of violence, racism, or xenophobia. Cheer with passion and respect", was heard throughout the stadium.

A scoreboard in a stadium shows the game time and the score, while a large screen displays a message in Basque from Deportivo Alavés condemning violence, racism, and xenophobia, and promoting passion and respect.
Message Spread in Mendizorroza Against Hatred on the Playing Fields | Movistar Plus+

The cameras then focused on Asencio. His reaction was calm but firm. "It's okay, go on", he said to the bench, asking for the game to continue.

Example of Asencio's Composure

Despite the hostility, Asencio didn't lose his composure. He kept his cool and focused on the match, which became even after Manu Sánchez's expulsion.

In the report, Soto Grado detailed what happened. "In the 70th minute of the match, the protocol was activated after chants directed at a visiting player. Among them: ‘Asencio die’, ‘Asencio scum, get out of Vitoria’", he wrote.

Mendizorroza is not just any venue for Asencio. On December 21, 2023, he also didn't travel with the team. He was removed at the last minute to testify in Plaza Castilla the next day.

Once again, Vitoria became an uncomfortable setting for the center-back. The hostile atmosphere made it clear that the local fans do not forget.

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