Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr’s savage reply to Gavi’s sledging attempt during Barcelona vs Real Madrid
Real Madrid’s 4-0 rout of FC Barcelona stole the headlines for a number of reasons. The biggest takeaway from the game was the demolition of the Catalans and Karim Benzema’s hattrick, but there were multiple episodes on the field when matters heated up and stole some spotlight.
One such instance, and perhaps the most significant one, was the altercation between Vinicius Jr and Gavi. The two young stars have been known to be overly expressive on the field, and it is not surprising that things went out of hand when they met in El Clasico.
During the game last night, Barcelona’s Golden Boy approached Vinicius and had some unpleasant words for the winger at half-time.
“You are very bad,” Gavi told the Brazilian winger in an attempt to sledge him.
Real Madrid completed their second-half demolition of Barcelona soon after and the scoreline read 4-0 in favour of the Merengues. Hitting back at the Catalan midfielder, Vinicius did not hold back and slapped him in the face with his words.
“Very bad, you remember? It’s so sad, you’re out of the Copa,” he said as revealed by Movistar Plus.
The tussles on the field at both the sporting and personal levels give El Clasico meaning and make it more than a mere game of football. Both Gavi and Vinicius have the passion for their club running through their blood and represent the shift of the rivalry to the next generation.
Vini’s antics on the field last night are said to have riled up the Barcelona dressing room who are said to be fuming at his attitude and behaviour.
Ronald Araujo even came out to speak about the youngster after the game and said: “Vinicius needs to focus on playing football. I always try to respect my opponents, but I got a little heated tonight. Vinicius spent the whole match telling our players this and that. He kept saying things to the crowd, and it got heated.”
Real Madrid have officially completed a move for Jude Bellingham for a total of €103 million in fixed transfer fee, plus €30 million in variables depending on the team and the Englishman’s performances over the course of the season.
This transfer makes Bellingham the second most expensive player in Real Madrid history after Eden Hazard, who signed for nearly €120 million in the summer of 2018.
The Spanish giants have been in talks with Dortmund and Bellingham over a long time, and convinced both parties by agreeing to their demands, including the fees, wages, and personal terms from the youngster.
One of Bellingham’s personal demands was related to his jersey number of choice, according to a report by Cadena SER.
He wanted to take one of #22 or #5 at Madrid. Unfortunately, though, both numbers are currently occupied by centre-backs in the team. Antonio Rudiger signed on a free agent last summer and took up #22, while Jesus Vallejo has been wearing the #5.
Neither of the two are starters for Carlo Ancelotti, with Eder Militao (#3), and David Alaba (#4) guarding the fort.
Bellingham is used to wearing #22 for Dortmund and the England national team, but he has also worn the #23, #10 #8 for the latter. Those numbers are also occupied, though, by Ferland Mendy, Luka Modric Toni Kroos, respectively.
That said, there will be multiple numbers free for Bellingham. Four players have already left the team, including Karim Benzema (#9), Eden Hazard (#7), Marco Asensio (#11), and Mariano Diaz (#24).
Reports have stated that Madrid are looking to give Bellingham the #7, as it has been a historic kit number for them. Cristiano Ronaldo wore it during his incredible tenure at Santiago Bernabeu, succeeding the legendary Raul.
While it has not seen worthy successors since, in Mariano and Hazard, it still remains one of the most valuable kits in Madrid history. Further, giving it to their blockbuster €100 million+ signing would definitely help jersey sales.
