Coach Carlo Ancelotti and the Real Madrid staff are concerned about how Vinicius will be treated at Mestalla following the Ballon d’Or event.
The upcoming games against Milan and Osasuna offer the Brazilian star a chance to return to the Bernabéu with strong support from the fans. Although Real Madrid’s schedule is already packed, the postponement of the Valencia vs. Real Madrid match due to the DANA storm in the Valencia region provides Vinicius with a valuable break.
This break will help clear his mind, freeing him from the pressure of playing at Mestalla, a stadium that has been harsh on him in the past.
An unexpected but necessary decision
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid’s staff worry about the treatment Vinicius might receive at Mestalla after the Ballon d’Or event. Reports suggest that Valencia fans are planning to bring yellow balloons to mock him for his loss in the Ballon d’Or race.
Furthermore, the memory of the racist incident Vinicius faced at Mestalla in May 2023 still weighs on the Brazilian star’s mind every time he returns. This pressure has pushed Vinicius to his ‘breaking point,’ as AS describes it. The disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d’Or, for which he had prepared a celebration in central Madrid, is only part of it.
Vinicius feels overwhelmed by the racial abuse he has endured on Spanish fields, coupled with the perception of insufficient protection from La Liga referees. For him, the cup is almost full and ready to overflow.
With eight days away from matches, Vinicius has a chance to mentally recover before facing Milan in the Champions League, a competition where the Brazilian forward feels more at ease, believing he is treated more fairly than in La Liga. The Milan game and then the Osasuna match at the Bernabéu will give him a chance to feel the support from his team and fans, something Real Madrid is working to foster to lift Vinicius’ spirits.
Real Madrid’s number 7 has also expressed gratitude to his teammates on social media for their enthusiastic support in the locker room. While Vinicius remains defiant, publicly declaring, “I’ll be ten times better if needed. They’re not ready,” Real Madrid believes that a game in the Champions League atmosphere will be the perfect psychological boost.
For Vinicius, Champions League nights at the Bernabéu provide a comfort and encouragement that La Liga can’t match.
Vinicius recently missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
After the Osasuna match, Vinicius will return to Brazil for the November FIFA Days. This break will be crucial for him to escape the pressures in Spain and enjoy the supportive environment of the national team.
Vinicius’ next away game won’t be until the 24th at Butarque, a stadium that poses no major pressure for him and where he’s never faced any issues.
Love from Brazil
Brazil’s coach, Dorival Junior, is also aware of Vinicius’ situation and announced his return to the squad. After missing out due to injury, the 24-year-old forward will be warmly welcomed by teammates and fans at home.
“He’ll receive support and love from the Brazilian people. Most Brazilians feel there’s been an injustice toward him,” Coach Dorival Junior said. He added that while they have spoken on the phone, he wishes to discuss the Ballon d’Or event with Vinicius in person.
Dorival also affirmed, “He will have the chance to prove what we all know – that he is one of the most decisive players in recent seasons.”
With support from both Real Madrid and the national team, along with this valuable break, Vinicius hopes to come back stronger than ever.”
