Atletico Madrid Fans Stoke Derby Tensions with Ridiculous Attempt to Mock Vinicius
Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid face off tonight at the Metropolitano in a decisive Champions League Round of 16 clash, where only one team will advance to the quarter-finals. Carlo Ancelotti’s side holds a narrow 2-1 lead from the first leg, and they will be boosted by the return of Jude Bellingham.
Controversial Move to Mock Vinicius
Atletico Madrid fans have taken an unusual approach to stir tensions ahead of the match by selling inflatable beach balls for €3.95 on the club’s website—an attempt to ridicule Vinicius Jr. over his missed Ballon d’Or.
The chant “Vinicius Balón de Playa” (Vinicius Beach Ball) has spread across Spanish stadiums since the Brazilian was considered a frontrunner for the award but ultimately did not win. Atletico supporters are expected to use these props to taunt him during the game.
Past Incidents Against Vinicius
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Atletico Madrid fans have targeted Vinicius in an unacceptable manner:
- Racist Chants: In past derbies, racist abuse has been directed at the Brazilian, including the infamous “Vinicius es un chimpancé” chant before a Champions League match between Atletico and Inter Milan.
- Masked Insults: In a previous derby, viral Atletico fans encouraged others to wear masks to insult Vinicius while avoiding identification.
- Hanging Effigy: The most shocking incident occurred before a Copa del Rey match in 2022/23 when Atletico fans hung a doll wearing Vinicius’ shirt from a bridge in Madrid—a sickening act condemned as a death threat.
Vinicius’ Response on the Pitch
Despite these attempts to unsettle him, Vinicius has shown resilience. In a previous La Liga derby at the Metropolitano, Koke tried to provoke him, to which Vinicius coolly responded: “I have two Champions League titles, and you have zero.”
Tonight’s match should be about football, but once again, off-field controversies threaten to overshadow what should be a thrilling European clash. It remains to be seen how Vinicius will react on the pitch to the latest provocations.
4o
