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Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Junior were met with a hostile reception from the Bernabéu faithful during the club's 2–1 win over Alavés, a scenario that is becoming increasingly common at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The chorus of boos and whistles was hardly unexpected on Tuesday night given Los Blancos' recent Champions League exit. Bayern Munich's victory in the quarterfinals condemned Álvaro Arbeloa's side to what appears to be a trophy-free campaign, a result deemed unacceptable by the Madridista faithful.
The home supporters made their frustration heard throughout Real Madrid's midweek La Liga fixture, with certain players bearing the brunt of the crowd's displeasure more than others. Mbappé and Vinicius Jr, in particular, were subjected to near-relentless jeering from the stands despite both managing to get their names on the scoresheet.
Why Real Madrid Fans Booed Mbappé, Vinicius Jr in Alavés Win
A growing sense of frustration has been building among Real Madrid supporters regarding both Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. The pair have previously drawn criticism for their lax defensive contributions and reluctance to press or track back, but the anger from the fanbase now runs far deeper than that.
The two players, widely regarded as among the finest in the world in their respective roles, have had two seasons to work things out — two years to develop an understanding in attack and forge a partnership capable of guiding Los Blancos back to glory.
Instead, they continue to occupy the same areas of the pitch, appearing disjointed and lacking ideas when faced with a deep defensive block. Even when one creates a clear opening for the other, the final execution falls short.
The jeers from the stands have become an outlet for frustration that has been building over two seasons. The two forwards lack cohesion, show limited work rate, and most critically, have failed to deliver a major trophy to the Bernabéu in consecutive campaigns. Coupled with widespread dissatisfaction over the team's recent poor form, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr have become the focal point of an increasingly agitated fanbase.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured it, Gareth Bale endured it, Toni Kroos endured it. Boos are part and parcel of the pressure that comes with representing the world's biggest club, and as the faces of the team, Mbappé and Vinicius Jr inevitably absorb the loudest criticism from the terraces.
Arbeloa Bites Back at Bernabéu Boos
Arbeloa was once again pressed on the crowd's hostile treatment of Vinicius Jr, and the Spaniard came to the No. 7's defense — a recurring theme during what appears to be his brief spell in the dugout at his former club.
"The fans whistling at Vinicius Junior? Well, this isn't the first time this has happened. I think he's proven that over many years. But, as I always say in recent months, we've seen how he's always been able to bounce back," he said in his postgame press conference.
"Vinicius always puts in a tremendous effort, and in the tough moments we've gone through, he's been able to carry the team on his shoulders."
Yet the Brazilian squandered a string of opportunities against Bayern Munich, adding further fuel to the supporters' discontent. Prior to his goal against Alavés — after which he offered an apology to the crowd — he had gone without a goal since March 22.
"Personally, I'm delighted when the crowd finally rewards him with applause at the end, that's what I always wish for him."