Santiago Bernabéu witnessed a night to forget for Pablo Maffeo, Mallorca's full-back. An episode that will be marked as an authentic embarrassment, with a clear protagonist: karma.
The costly provocation
The match between Real Madrid and Mallorca was 1-1 when Maffeo decided to celebrate prematurely. In the last corner, after a defensive clearance, the full-back made gestures toward the Madrid fans, as if the victory was already assured. But reality was cruel, in the 95th minute, when Mallorca was already dreaming of triumph, the 'Jacobazo' arrived.
Fran García launched a desperate shot into the area. Jesús Vallejo, who had barely played at Bernabéu this season, headed the ball. The ball remained loose for Jacobo Ramón to push it into the net.
Great goal, and victory for Real Madrid. Maffeo, who celebrated his gesture with the white fans, ended up booed and humiliated, karma in its purest form.
A complicated night for Maffeo
The match was a torment for the Mallorcan full-back. First, he spent 77 minutes on the bench, unable to help his team. When he came on, Bernabéu did not welcome him warmly: constant boos, a yellow card, and a tough duel against Mbappé, which left him exposed.
To top it off, his provocation was highlighted by Jacobo's 'in extremis' goal. A hard blow for a player who seems obsessed with bothering Vinícius Júnior.
Vinícius's public enemy no. 1
Maffeo and Vinícius have had years of confrontations. Most of them, provoked by the full-back. Maffeo has even stated that he hasn't been able to reach the Spanish national team because of "the Vinícius issue."
His provocations have been constant. Before the Super Cup, he challenged the Brazilian to a fight in a boxing ring, claiming he would knock him out in ten seconds. A statement that did not go unnoticed and fueled the controversy.
From words to actions
Maffeo makes mocking gestures, controversial tackles, and shows his enmity with Madrid and Vinícius even on the radio.
In November 2024, on the program La Buena Chispa, he launched harsh criticisms at the Brazilian, saying that "he cries a lot." These provocations have never cost him a sanction, but they have created a tense atmosphere every time they meet on the field.
What do we learn from this story?
You reap what you sow. Pablo Maffeo sowed provocations and ended up reaping humiliations. His insistence on generating conflict with Vinícius and Real Madrid took its toll on him in one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world.
Bernabéu doesn't forgive. And this time, his 'public enemy no. 1' was portrayed in a historic embarrassment.