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Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reacts after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Elche and Real Madrid in Elche, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Saiz)
Vinicius Jr delivered a masterclass performance on Tuesday night to propel Real Madrid to a commanding 6-1 win over Monaco in the Champions League silencing the recent criticism from the fans. The Brazilian scored one goal and assisted twice on the night.
The 25-year-old has been under constant scrutiny from the fans after a poor show in last few months and was booed by the home crowd in Santiago Bernaebeu. He admitted after the match that the booing he has faced from the Bernabeu crowd in recent weeks had taken its toll.
“This performance means a lot, because of everything that has been happening in recent days,” Vinicius told TNT Sports. “The change of coach, losing the (Spanish Super Cup) final, being knocked out of the Copa del Rey – playing for the biggest club in the world comes with high demands. Sometimes we don’t understand the boos, but I know the size of the club and the weight of the shirt.
During the Saturday’s La Liga clash against Levante, the home crowd was jeering and booing Vinicius throughout, especially during the announcement of the starting lineup.
“The only thing I can do is on the pitch – to give my all. I won’t always be technically perfect, but I will always give 100% for the team,” Vinicius said.
“I don’t want to be booed at home, where I feel comfortable. But the fans have their rights, and I am here to evolve. I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time.”
Since joining Real Madrid in 2018, Vinicius has been integral to the club’s successes, winning the Champions League twice. He scored in both finals – against Liverpool in 2022 and Borussia Dortmund in 2024, the year he also won FIFA’s The Best Award.
The fan reactions stem from the horrible time Real Madrid is having with a Spanish Super Cup final defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona, an embarrassing 3-2 Copa Del Rey exit against second-divison Albacete, and the sudden sacking of manager Xabi Alonso.
Fans were left disillusioned after a turbulent month that included a Spanish Super Cup defeat to Barcelona, an embarrassing 3-2 Copa del Rey exit to second-division Albacete, and the abrupt sacking of manager Xabi Alonso after just seven months in charge.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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