Vinicius’ Message Reignites His Rivalry With Valencia
He didn’t step onto the pitch at Mestalla, but his presence was still felt. After Real Madrid’s win in Valencia, one message was enough to reignite a rivalry that remains far from settled.
A Win Without Vinicius… But Not Without Noise
Real Madrid walked away with a solid victory at Mestalla, yet one of the night’s biggest talking points came off the pitch. Vinicius Junior, sidelined due to suspension, still found a way to make his presence felt with a post-match message that quickly caught attention.
On Instagram, the Brazilian shared an image of Carreras celebrating his goal, accompanied by the caption “Pegamos!!!” along with laughing emojis and a victory gesture. For many supporters of Valencia CF, the message felt like a direct provocation, reopening a chapter that has never truly closed.
A Relationship Defined by Conflict
The tension between Vinicius and the Valencia fanbase is nothing new. It dates back to May 2023, when the forward reported racist abuse from the stands at Mestalla, prompting a temporary stoppage of the match and a sequence of events that reverberated across world football.
That night ended with Vinicius being sent off and responding with gestures toward the crowd, further fueling the confrontation. What followed was a media storm, public backlash, and statements from Carlo Ancelotti that would later require clarification, leaving a deep fracture between the player, the club, and its supporters.
The Documentary and an Open Wound
Rather than fading away, the controversy resurfaced recently with the release of the documentary Baila, Vini. Valencia CF filed a lawsuit against Netflix and the production company, arguing that certain images and subtitles harmed the club’s image and that of its fans.
Although the club acted swiftly in identifying and permanently banning the three individuals responsible for racist gestures—later convicted in court—the narrative never found common ground. Vinicius stood by his version of events, and the relationship has since remained irreparable on both an institutional and emotional level.
Mestalla, His Favorite Stage
On the sporting side, the rivalry is just as intense. Vinicius Junior has scored nine goals in 12 LaLiga matches against Valencia, making them the opponent he has punished the most in Spain. That record helps explain the hostile atmosphere every time he features at Mestalla.
Even without setting foot on the pitch this time, his message ensured the spotlight stayed on him. Vinicius didn’t play, but once again, he made his presence felt in a rivalry that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
