Vinicius was not alone. And the Bernabeu understood it quickly. On a delicate night, with the stadium still measuring every gesture after the first Champions League night without Xabi Alonso on the bench, Mbappe assumed a role that went far beyond the goals. However, despite the evident forgiveness of the stadium from the start, the Brazilian left without celebrating his great goal with the crowd. It was the right time to bury the hatchet, but the No.7 did not see it that way
He slipped into the opponent’s area, advanced until he found the gap to unleash a dry shot that went into the top corner. A work of art that brought the Madrid temple to its feet… but not for Vinicius, who was clear about it. A gesture that will be more talked about than Real Madrid’s great game. The Brazilian made it clear that he did not want to celebrate the goal with the white fans despite Mbappe’s attempt, who tried to take him towards his fans in search of definitive forgiveness.
However, instead of starting his run towards the corner flag, Vinicius went to the center of the field where some of his teammates were waiting for him. He hugged them andthen went straight toArbeloa, with whom he did not hesitate to melt into a sincere embrace that says many things. This was partly thanks to the Spanish coach’s unwavering defense of his player from the first day he took charge of the first team.
Mbappe’s man-marking of Vini
Every time Vinicius intervened, whether he succeeded or failed, Mbappe looked to the stands. Arms raised, eyes firm and a clear message: support. More love. And more patience until Vinicius finds his footballing groove again… and his happiness. “We have to protect him better, me too, so that he is not alone. He will never be alone at Madrid,” said the No.10 on the eve of the match. And so it was. He repeated it over and over again, as if he was determined to mark the stadium to protect the No.7.
The goals, the Champions League anthem, which tames the white beasts, and the 2-0 scoreline calmed the atmosphere. In that action, moreover, Vinicius returned the gesture to his teammate. A pass to the far post and Mbappe only had to push it in. Then came the hug in the celebration. Long and sincere. The kind that says more than meets the eye because he knew the Brazilian needed it.
The moment of forgiveness
The turning point came in the 41st minute. Vinicius tried a roulette in the center of the field, almost fell and ended up losing the ball. The murmur appeared… but it did not last long. The Bernabeu reacted instantly, with a great ovation, extinguishing any attempt to point fingers. The Real Madrid fans chose Vinicius. And Mbappe, long before, had already taken sides.
In the second half, the Brazilian star set up the 3-0 for Mastantuono, who finished superbly. Playing well… the love comes by itself. And the Bernabeu let him know it. “Vinicius, Vinicius, Vinicius”, chanted the Bernabeu
A hug to “Madridismo”
Arbeloa, later in a press conference, was asked about Vini’s embrace and was clear: “His embrace is an embrace to Madridismo, the embrace of his teammates and the support of the Bernabeu.”
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