Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semifinal, a match overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Vinicius Junior. The game, held at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian, saw 18-year-old Endrick score the decisive goal in the 19th minute, showcasing his potential with a stylish finish. However, the match was marred by troubling incidents, including the stoppage of play due to chants targeting Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio and further racist gestures aimed at Vinicius.
The match was paused just before halftime after Vinicius brought the offensive chants to the referee’s attention. A video later surfaced on social media, appearing to show a Real Sociedad fan making monkey gestures towards Vinicius. This incident follows a history of racial abuse against the Brazilian player, who has been a frequent target in Spanish football. Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti responded by substituting Vinicius at halftime to protect him from further distress, emphasizing the emotional impact such abuse can have on players.
Vinicius’s experience in Spain has been marked by repeated racial abuse, including a notable arrest of four individuals last October for online hate crimes and a landmark conviction of Valencia fans in June 2023, marking the first time racist insults in a stadium led to imprisonment in Spain. These incidents highlight the ongoing struggle against racism in football and the need for collective action to combat such behavior.
Despite missing key players like Kylian Mbappe, Fede Valverde, and Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid delivered a strong performance, with Ancelotti making seven changes to his lineup. Endrick, beneficiary of Ancelotti’s faith, shone with his sixth goal of the campaign, slotting in a neat finish after Jude Bellingham’s precise pass. Madrid’s defense held firm, with Andriy Lunin making crucial saves, while Vinicius and Bellingham tested Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper, Alex Remiro, keeping their hopes alive for the return leg.
The match’s outcome sets the stage for an intense second leg at Santiago Bernabeu on April 1, with Real Madrid looking to advance to the final against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid. Endrick’s performance and the resilience of Ancelotti’s rotated squad offer optimism, yet the overshadowing incidents remind us of the broader challenges beyond the pitch.
This match underscores the persisting issue of racism in football, urging authorities, clubs, and fans to confront this problem with consistency and strength. As Vinicius and others continue to face abuse, it remains crucial to foster an inclusive environment, ensuring football remains a game of unity and respect for all.
