Watch: What Vinicius Jr. said to the whistling Real Madrid fans to the Bernabeu | OneFootball

The 2-1 victory of Real Madrid over Rayo Vallecano was not just defined by goals and late drama, but also by an emotional personal battle involving Vinicius Jr. 

The Brazilian winger experienced a difficult start to the evening at the Santiago Bernabeu, where sections of the crowd made their displeasure known from the very beginning.

When the line-ups were announced, Vinicius was met with loud boos. The reaction continued moments later when he touched the ball for the first time, creating a tense atmosphere between the player and supporters. 

Rather than shrinking, the winger chose to confront the situation head-on, clearly frustrated by the negativity during a match that still hung in the balance.

Vinicius’ gesture towards the fans

At one point in the first half, cameras caught Vinicius turning towards the stands and directly addressing the fans. 

Visibly animated, he demanded unity and focus, urging the crowd to back the team instead of working against it. 

In the footage, the Brazilian could be heard shouting, “Come on, damn it! That’s it, damn it, we’re playing!”

Despite the initial whistles, Vinicius started the match with intensity. He pressed aggressively, attacked defenders, and looked determined to change the narrative through his football. 

Those early runs soon earned him his first round of applause from a demanding Bernabeu crowd that expects immediate response rather than excuses.

The turning point came in the 15th minute, when Vinicius delivered the kind of moment that defines careers at Real Madrid. 

Picking up the ball on the edge of the area, he dribbled past his marker, feinted repeatedly to create space, and then unleashed a stunning right-footed strike. 

The shot flew into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance and sending the stadium into celebration.

That goal completed a swift reconciliation between the player and the supporters.

Vinicius immediately ran towards the stands, celebrating with the fans who had booed him minutes earlier and in a powerful gesture, he kissed the Real Madrid badge.