Days after facing racist taunts from fans outside stadiums where games not involving his team were played, Vinícius Júnior showcased his talent on the field by scoring twice to lead Real Madrid to a commanding 4-2 victory over Osasuna on Saturday.
Vinícius, who has been subjected to racist insults during away games in recent seasons, was targeted again this week by fans outside stadiums hosting Champions League matches involving other teams. Despite not being present at those games, he was subjected to racist chants, prompting him to speak out on social media, calling for accountability for such acts.
Before the kickoff of Saturday’s games, players wore T-shirts promoting a Spanish league anti-racism campaign. However, during the match at El Sadar Stadium, some fans reportedly chanted derogatory remarks towards Vinícius after he celebrated his second goal. Nonetheless, the referee’s report did not mention any incidents involving fans.
On the field, the Brazilian forward displayed his skill, scoring Madrid’s opener in the fourth minute and later adding a fourth goal to seal the victory. Dani Carvajal and Brahim Díaz also found the back of the net for Madrid, exploiting Osasuna’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Vinícius for his outstanding performance, emphasizing his importance to the team despite facing adversity from rival fans and players. With the win, Madrid extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points over Girona.
Vinícius’ impressive form comes at a crucial time for Madrid, as they gear up to face Manchester City in the Champions League quarterfinals next month. However, he will miss the next game against Athletic Bilbao due to suspension.
Despite his goal-scoring prowess, Vinícius remained humble, acknowledging missed opportunities and emphasizing the team’s collective effort in securing the victory. Osasuna, on the other hand, faced a tough defeat against a formidable Madrid side, with coach Jagoba Arrasate acknowledging the challenges they encountered during the match.
