Amid the tight race for the LaLiga EA Sports title, Real Madrid secured a vital victory against Athletic Club thanks to a stunning goal by Fede Valverde.
But beyond the result, all eyes were on Vinícius Jr. who, despite delivering an outstanding performance, showed concerning gestures that did not go unnoticed by the fans... or Carlo Ancelotti.
Barely Celebrated Valverde's Goal
The Brazilian was one of the best on the team, especially in the absence of Mbappé, who was suspended. Vinícius took charge, faced opponents, disrupted defenses and, although a goal was disallowed for a previous offside, he was the most electrifying player of the match.
However, his attitude after Valverde's goal, which secured the three points for Madrid, was surprising (and not in a good way). While all the players exploded with joy, Vini walked with his head down, slowly, and with barely any celebratory gestures.
Movistar+ cameras perfectly captured that moment. The Brazilian, with a serious and distant expression, took a while to join the group and when he did, he barely hugged Valverde.
He then returned to his corner, absent, silent, as if he wasn't on the same emotional wavelength as the rest of the team. A detail that has not gone unnoticed within the club.
Some attribute it to the murmurs of Bernabéu, where he has been booed on more than one occasion. Others point to his frustration after the disallowed goal or his mental exhaustion after weeks of criticism.
The truth is that something is not right with Vinícius. And Madrid is concerned about his emotional disconnection just at the decisive stage of the season.
Ancelotti Didn't Like His Reaction at All
Carlo Ancelotti, in a press conference, tried to ease the situation. "Vinícius has been fantastic, with a tremendous attitude. He played a great match and will be key in what's to come," the coach commented.
However, in private, sources from the locker room acknowledge that the coach didn't like that cold gesture during the celebration at all. More leadership and connection are expected from someone who should be a reference.
Is Vinícius overwhelmed or is it just a temporary bad moment? El Clásico and the Champions League semifinals will tell if it was just a slump... or the warning of something deeper.