Real Madrid defeated Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Wednesday in the Spanish League to move into the middle of the league. Fans and players showed their support for Vinicius Jr., who was the target of racial abuse over the weekend. Goals from Karim Benzema and Rodrygo gave Real Madrid the victory.
After becoming the focus of racial slurs during Real’s 1-0 loss against Valencia on Sunday, Brazilian striker Vinicius got an homage before the game. On Sunday, Vinicius was the object of the insults.
“We are all Vinicius. One of the numerous words of support for him was written on a banner that was hung behind one of the goals at the Santiago Bernabeu. The banner said, “Enough is enough.”
On the field, Real’s players were wearing jerseys with Vinicius’s number 20, and the captains of both teams were sporting armbands with anti-racism inscriptions.
After all of the players had stood next to an official LaLiga banner that read “Racists, out of football,” Vinicius, dressed in street clothes and obviously furious, joined his team mates on the field for a standing ovation.
Even though the red card he earned against Valencia was reversed by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Tuesday and the following ban was lifted, he did not play for Real in the encounter even though he was eligible to do so because of the overturned card.
According to Spanish media, Vinicius missed training in the days leading up to the match because he was dealing with a knee injury. Instead, he sat next to Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and watched the game.
Carlo Ancelotti, the team’s coach, stated in front of the press that he was taken aback by the decision made by the competition committee of the RFEF. “In my opinion, this is the best course of action.”
He went on to say that the partial stand closure that had been enforced as a penalty on Valencia was an essential move in the right direction.
“I’m hoping that this problem will be resolved in the near future,” he stated. “The other players around Vinicius are feeling very affected.”
A good number of Real Madrid supporters showed up at the stadium wearing scarves and shirts with the Brazilian’s number on them. By doing so, they made it quite clear that they disapprove of the treatment that he is getting in other stadiums in Spain.
“Vini, this is the communion for me. One of the posters that a little admirer was holding up said, “Seeing you is my gift.”
Following the game, the athlete published a statement on Instagram in which he expressed his gratitude for the support he had received.
“I adore you all!!! Thank you very much for everything!” he stated in his note.
Benzema gave Real the lead only a few minutes after the half-hour mark when he reacted quickly to a Federico Valverde cross on the outside of the penalty area and completed the play from close range.
Raul de Tomas, a striker for Rayo, tied the game with six minutes remaining, but Rodrygo scored in the 89th minute to give Real Madrid the lead once more. Rodrygo took a low shot from just outside the box and placed it inside the right post, past Rayo’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
Rodrygo, who is 22 years old, celebrated his goal by making a gesture that resembled a raised fist. This gesture is commonly connected with social causes such as anti-racism.
Real Madrid temporarily moved up one spot to second with 74 points, two points ahead of third-placed Atletico Madrid who will host Espanyol later on Wednesday, and 11 points behind winners Barcelona. Real currently sits in second place with two games remaining.