Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Oviedo in LaLiga should have been a night of celebration for the Whites. But after goals from Mbappé and Vinicius, another, much darker and more dramatic story unfolded, one that could change the mood at the Bernabéu.
It all started in the 83rd minute. Kylian Mbappé, after scoring his second goal, ran straight at Vinicius to contain him. The Frenchman, aware of the growing tension, literally covered his teammate’s mouth, almost provoking the Oviedo fans. A surreal, almost theatrical scene: the attacking captain trying to prevent an explosion.
But this heroic gesture only delayed the inevitable. In added time (90+3), when Vinicius scored the third goal, Mbappé had already left the field. Freed from all control, the 25-year-old striker let out his pent-up resentment. He headed toward the stands, making provocative gestures: outstretched arms, fixed stares, and finally, the controversial gesture: two fingers raised toward the opposing fans. According to AS , it was a clear message: “Oviedo is only a second-division club.”
The cameras recorded everything. And Oviedo reacted quickly. A few hours after the match, the Asturian club’s board confirmed that it had filed a complaint with LaLiga. The reasoning is clear: unsportsmanlike conduct, deliberate provocation of the fans, and damage to the image of the league.
Real Madrid, bewildered, declined to comment immediately. But behind the scenes, the tension is palpable. According to several sources close to the dressing room, Xabi Alonso has called an emergency meeting, fearing that this latest incident could unleash an uncontrolled media storm.
Possible sanctions have Madrid reeling. In the worst-case scenario, Vinicius risks:
a multi-match suspension for inappropriate behavior,
a heavy financial penalty,
and, in the extreme case, a threat of conditional suspension for repeat offenses in the event of future provocation.
The Spanish media’s reactions were swift. Marca ran the headline: “Mbappé saved Vinicius once… but not twice .” AS , for its part, called the scene “gratuitous provocation that tarnishes a resounding victory.” The televised debates revolved around a single question: Is Vinicius incapable of self-control?
On social media, the division is deep. Real Madrid fans defend their star, pointing out that he endures racist insults and constant booing at every stadium in Spain. But on the neutral side, and especially in Oviedo, the outrage is immense: “We lost the match, but the real scandal is this lack of respect,” writes a group of fans on X.
The contrast with Mbappé is striking. The image of the Frenchman trying to calm his teammate has gone viral. Many see it as a symbol: the rational leader versus the uncontrollable genius. “Mbappé not only scored two goals, but also proved to be the true boss of the locker room,” analyzes a Cadena SER columnist .
For Vinicius, the immediate future looks bleak. If LaLiga decides to take drastic measures, he could miss several crucial matches, leaving his team without a key attacking player. What’s worse, the player’s already controversial image risks being further damaged.
The question is no longer whether a sanction will be imposed, but when and how severe it will be. Real Madrid, at the center of the commotion, is preparing for a decisive week. Oviedo wants to set an example, LaLiga must react, and the entire world awaits the verdict.
In Madrid, a phrase is circulating like a grim prediction: “Mbappé can save Vinicius once… but not always.” And this time, everything points to the Brazilian having to face the consequences of his actions alone.
