Real Madrid News
Valencia consider legal action over Vinicius’ documentary on Netflix
Valencia are reviewing legal options in response to the recent Netflix documentary about Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s legal department is analysing whether the content of Baila, Vini damages the image of the club, its supporters, or the Mestalla stadium.
The documentary, which premiered this week in Spain, highlights several events from Vinicius Jr.’s career, including the controversial match at Mestalla in May 2023.
During that game, the Brazilian forward reported racist abuse from some Valencia fans. The match was temporarily halted after Vinicius pointed out an individual in the stands, and the player was later sent off after the game resumed.
In the post-match press conference, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his outrage, claiming the entire stadium had chanted “monkey, monkey.”
Though he was corrected during that same press conference, it took Ancelotti two days to publicly acknowledge that not all fans were involved.
His initial comments had a lasting effect, sparking a wide-reaching anti-racism campaign and drawing global attention.
Convictions and apologies after the incident
In the days following the match, both Valencia and the local authorities identified three individuals involved in the abuse. All three were tried and convicted for crimes against moral integrity, with racial discrimination considered an aggravating factor in the case.
The court’s ruling confirmed that the individuals made chants and gestures aimed at Vinicius, clearly referencing the colour of his skin.
However, because the individuals expressed remorse and wrote letters apologising to the player during the process, the court applied a reduced sentence based on their repentance.
Valencia are now concerned that the documentary may unfairly portray the club as a whole in a negative light. If their legal review finds any basis for harm to their reputation, the club may proceed with legal action.
After a disappointing defeat to Real Betis, Real Madrid returned to winning ways on Tuesday night, following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Inter Milan.
It was a tense game for Los Blancos, who had to hold on to their slender advantage in the last stretch of the game and were unable to score more goals after an early flurry that saw them gain a 2-0 advantage.
A worrying trend in front of goal
According to MARCA, Real Madrid lead all of Europe in big chances created with 27, but they also top a far less flattering chart, having squandered 19 of them.
That means Real Madrid are missing seven out of every ten clear opportunities they generate, the worst conversion rate on the continent.
Barcelona follow closely with the same number of chances created but a superior return, having wasted 15.
The issue has become a recurring theme in recent matches. Against Betis, Real Madrid dominated and accumulated three expected goals, including a penalty missed by Kylian Mbappe, yet still contrived to lose.
Against Inter, they again peppered the goal without the necessary precision to kill the game off.
Courtois to the rescue
The victory over Inter owed much to a superb performance from Thibaut Courtois, who produced several crucial saves to preserve the three points.
The two Real Madrid goals bore Mourinho’s trademark, both stemming from high pressing. Mbappe forced an error before finishing off Brahim Diaz’s assist, while Federico Valverde capitalised on hesitation from goalkeeper Josep Martinez.
However, having eased into a 2-0 lead, Real Madrid again passed up chance after chance, allowing Inter back into the contest through Lautaro Martinez’s late goal.
It must be noted Real Madrid had 35.6% possession against Inter ranking among the lowest recorded for the club in the Champions League.
For Mourinho, the ideal is clear: winning by finishing off the chances his side create. If Real Madrid can start converting at a rate befitting their creativity, they will become an even more fearsome proposition.
