Vinicius apologizes as Real Madrid seeks fightback after Bernabeu backlash
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior apologized to the Santiago Bernabeu crowd after scoring the team’s second goal in a 2-1 victory over Deportivo Alaves on Tuesday, April 22, 2026, acknowledging the growing frustration among fans following the club’s Champions League elimination.
The Brazilian winger, who has been a frequent target of criticism from sections of the Madrid faithful this season, kissed the club crest after netting in the 55th minute and gestured toward the stands in what appeared to be an apology for recent performances that have drawn whistles and jeers.
“He asks for forgiveness from the crowd after scoring the second goal for Real Madrid,” reported Diario AS in their match coverage, capturing the moment when Vinicius sought to connect with disillusioned supporters.
The goal came in a match that Real Madrid won 2-1, but the result was overshadowed by the audible discontent echoing around the stadium. According to El Pais, the Bernabeu presented its worst attendance of the season with just 61,468 spectators, reflecting the “evident sense of disconnection” following the midweek Champions League exit to Bayern Munich.
Libertad Digital reported that the atmosphere was “cold” from the outset, with the stadium “far from filling up” fifteen minutes before kickoff, a direct reflection of the “disappointment after the European blow.”
The criticism has not been limited to Vinicius alone. Both he and France forward Kylian Mbappe have faced persistent whistling from sections of the crowd, with Libertad Digital noting that “the main focuses of criticism pointed toward Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Both were whistled insistently during the match, especially in the first minutes.”
Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has also drawn particular ire following his red card in the Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich. El Pais reported that Camavinga “came on in the 63rd minute with the label of guilty hanging from his chest. Each time he intervened, whistles.” The young Frenchman attempted to mend relations by applauding the crowd after his substitution, described by El Pais as “an attempt to rapprochement.”
Former Real Madrid player and current pundit Alvaro Arbeloa defended both Vinicius and Camavinga amid the backlash. Speaking to Madrid Universal, Arbeloa said of Camavinga: “He has a lot of personality and great experience despite his youth. Whenever you necessitate him, he will step up. He has the confidence of the coach, the club, and surely also of the fans.” Regarding Vinicius, Arbeloa added: “I am sure and hope that he wants to stay many years at Madrid,” referring to the ongoing contract negotiations that have yet to yield a renewal.
The frustration among supporters stems from what El Pais described as “a depressing season that was left hollow with seven games to go,” following the “days of fury and fire of January and February.” Libertad Digital characterized the sentiment as fans being “tired and resigned after a depressive season.”
Sport outlet reported that both Mbappe and Vinicius “asked for forgiveness in the funeral of a Bernabeu that punishes Camavinga,” highlighting the somber mood that has descended upon the stadium despite the team’s continued success in La Liga.
The criticism has even drawn commentary from former Real Madrid legend Guti, who told Marca: “A player should never apologize for his work,” criticizing Vinicius’ gesture of apologizing to the fans as inappropriate for a professional athlete.
Despite the off-field tensions, Real Madrid secured the victory against Alaves to maintain their position in La Liga. The win came amid what El Pais described as “the constant judgment of the stands,” with the result “remaining in second place” to the vocal fan reaction.
The Bernabeu’s atmosphere has become a barometer for the accumulated frustration throughout the season. Libertad Digital noted that “the discomfort was transferred directly to the league match, turning each action into a thermometer of the accumulated anger.”
As Real Madrid looks to finish the La Liga season strongly despite the Champions League disappointment, the relationship between the team and its supporters remains a central storyline. The club’s next fixture will provide another opportunity to gauge whether the recent efforts to reconnect with fans are beginning to mend the fractured relationship visible at the Santiago Bernabeu.
What comes next for Real Madrid will be crucial in determining whether they can overcome the current discontent and finish the season on a positive note, both on the pitch and in the stands.
Stay updated with Archysport for continued coverage of Real Madrid’s season and the evolving situation at the Bernabeu.
