Vinicius Real Madrid Derbi Copa del ReyGetty Images

‘There’s only one Madrid!’ - Real star Vinicius Jr fires back at Atletico after effigy stunt & derby win

  • Horrific behaviour from Rojiblancos fans
  • Real prevailed in Copa del Rey derby clash
  • Brazilian forward on target in extra-time

WHAT HAPPENED? Los Blancos got the better of their arch-rivals in dramatic fashion on Thursday as they prevailed 3-1 in a thrilling Copa del Rey quarter-final, with Vinicius and Karim Benzema on target in extra-time to take Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the last four. The build-up to the match had been dominated by a deplorable act by Atletico supporters, as they hung a doll in a Vinicius shirt off a bridge in the Spanish capital accompanied by the message “Madrid hates Real”, but it was the Brazil international who had the last laugh.

WHAT THEY SAID: Vinicius, who has previously been the target of racist chants from Atleti supporters, posted on social media afterwards: “There’s only one Madrid. We all know.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Real boss Ancelotti also reacted to the shameful pre-game incident in Madrid, with the Italian claiming that Vinicius never allowed his focus to be diverted. Ancelotti said: “There wasn’t anything different for Vinicius, he was focused on the match, he wanted to play. He was very excited, eager to return to his fans. He played a very good game, fighting until the end. The goal was the reward for the great work he did. What happened was lamentable, but he was focused on the match.”

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IN THREE PHOTOS:

Vinicius Junior Real Madrid 2022-23Getty Images

Vinicius muñecoTwitter - Anonymous

WHAT NEXT? Ancelotti’s side, who sit three points adrift of Clasico foes Barcelona in La Liga, will be back in action on Sunday when playing host to Real Sociedad.

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