Real Madrid secured the victory against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. Goals from Rodrygo and Brahim gave the win to the whites, while Julián Álvarez scored for the red and whites.
Unlike other encounters between these two teams, the match at Santiago Bernabéu was calm. There were no controversial plays or disputed refereeing decisions.
However, the tensest moment was caused by Brahim, who, after scoring, shouted "Speak now!" at Cholo Simeone due to his previous statements. But the major controversy didn't happen on the field, but in the stands.
A Tribute Overshadowed by Whistles
Before the start of the match, Real Madrid wanted to pay tribute to Javier Dorado, a former player of the club who recently passed away at 48 years old after a tough battle with leukemia. His image appeared on the video scoreboards, and a minute of silence was requested in his honor.
What should have been a moment of respect and reflection was marred by a group of fans who decided to break the silence with their whistles. An attitude that caused a wave of outrage in the soccer world.
Juanma Castaño's Fury
One of the most critical voices about what happened was Juanma Castaño. The journalist couldn't contain his anger and exploded on 'El Partidazo de COPE,' harshly criticizing those who interrupted the tribute.
"Those who did that should analyze whether they belong to the human or animal species. You have to have very little humanity to whistle while Javi Dorado's image is on the video scoreboards. He was a guy who suffered from leukemia and passed away last week," he stated.
But he didn't stop there, Castaño continued with his indignation: "You have to be ungrateful and animalistic to whistle at that moment. I don't care what jersey they wear. They should reflect on it because they shouldn't be on the field or anywhere else."
An Unacceptable Gesture
Castaño's words reflect the sentiment of many fans who condemned what happened. In soccer, passion is part of the game, but there are limits that should not be crossed.
The tribute to Javier Dorado was a moment of unity and respect, without colors or rivalries. Those who decided to break it with whistles have left a stain on a night that should have been about remembrance and recognition.