Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad was an important step toward securing a place in the Copa del Rey final
However, the match was marred by racist abuse, once again highlighting the need for stronger action against discrimination in football.
Toni Kroos’ humorous comment on Vinicius Jr.’s captaincy brought some lightheartedness to the occasion, but the Brazilian’s leadership moment was significant.
With La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey all within reach, Madrid faces a defining period in their season.
As they prepare for upcoming challenges, Madridistas will hope that Vinicius Jr., Endrick, and the rest of the squad can continue delivering results while overcoming off-field adversities.
Vinicius Jr.’s first game as Real Madrid captain marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He has grown from a promising teenager to one of the best players in the world.
With his hunger for success, he could become a Real Madrid legend in the years to come.
Also Read: Vinicius Jr.: Net Worth 2023, Career, Bio, Wiki, Height, Weight, Awards and More
Table of Contents
Vinicius Jr.: Real Madrid’s Win Over Real Sociedad
Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder Toni Kroos took to Instagram to poke fun at his teammate Vinicius Jr. after the Brazilian was named captain for the first time in his career.1
Following Los Blancos’ narrow 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal, Kroos jokingly remarked:
“Now if you can talk to the refs.”
The comment, shared by Madrid Xtra’s X handle, quickly gained traction among fans, highlighting the lighthearted camaraderie within the squad.
This article explores the significance of Vinicius Jr. captaining Real Madrid, the team’s performance against Real Sociedad, the racism controversy during the match, and their ongoing quest for silverware.
Real Madrid’s Quest for Another Copa del Rey Title
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are determined to defend their Copa del Rey crown, having won the tournament in 2023. Despite their focus on La Liga and the Champions League, Madrid remains committed to securing every possible trophy.
With Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also competing for silverware, the fight for domestic dominance remains fierce. Real Madrid’s performance in the second leg against Real Sociedad will be crucial in determining whether they advance to the final.
Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility, combined with Madrid’s blend of experienced stars and young talents, makes them one of the favorites to win the competition.
Kroos’ Funny Comment Highlights Team Spirit
Toni Kroos, known for his dry sense of humor, couldn’t resist taking a friendly jab at Vinicius Jr. after the game. His “Now if you can talk to the refs” remark suggests that with the captain’s armband, Vinicius might have more influence when engaging with match officials.
Kroos’ comment resonated with fans, who found it amusing and fitting, given Vinicius’ reputation for frequently questioning refereeing decisions.
The exchange highlights the strong bond within the squad, showing that even in a high-pressure environment, the players maintain a sense of humor.
The German maestro, who has been at Real Madrid since 2014, has always been known for his professionalism on the pitch but also enjoys joking around with his teammates off it.
Racist Chants Disrupt the Match
Unfortunately, the game was overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Vinicius Jr., an issue that has plagued La Liga in recent seasons. Referee Sanchez Martinez had to pause the match temporarily due to offensive chants coming from the crowd.
This incident is just the latest example of the challenges Vinicius faces while playing in Spain. The Brazilian has been vocal about the racism he endures, calling for stronger actions from football authorities.
Additionally, disturbing chants were also directed at Real Sociedad defender Raul Asencio, with some fans shouting “Asencio die”. These events cast a shadow over what was otherwise an intense and competitive match.
Vinicius Jr. Captains Real Madrid for the First Time
At just 23 years old, Vinicius Jr. wore the captain’s armband for Real Madrid for the first time in his career.2
His appointment as skipper reflects his growing influence within the squad and Carlo Ancelotti’s trust in his leadership.
As a player who has been at the club since 2018, Vinicius has transformed into one of Madrid’s most crucial attacking assets.
His leadership on the pitch, combined with his relentless dribbling and goal-scoring prowess, has made him a fan favorite.
While many expected seasoned players like Dani Carvajal or Federico Valverde to wear the armband, Ancelotti’s decision to hand it to Vinicius was a clear statement of his importance to the team’s future.
Viviendo momentos inolvidables con el club de mis sueños!!!! pic.twitter.com/wIt7dnMu4J
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) February 26, 2025
Real Madrid’s Narrow Victory Over Real Sociedad
Real Madrid edged past Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semifinal first leg, thanks to a brilliant first-half strike from young Brazilian forward Endrick.
The 17-year-old showcased his immense potential, scoring after receiving a precise pass from Jude Bellingham.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Madrid had to settle for just one goal, as Sociedad’s defense held firm.
The Basque side came close to equalizing on multiple occasions but was denied by Madrid’s resilient backline and solid goalkeeping from Andriy Lunin.
With the second leg still to come, Madrid remains in a strong position but must be cautious against a determined Sociedad side looking to turn the tie around.
Vinicius Jr.’s Growing Leadership Role
Vinicius has matured significantly since arriving at Madrid as a promising but raw teenager from Flamengo.3
Over the past two seasons, he has become a key leader in the dressing room, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
Being named captain, even if just for one game, signals his evolution into a more responsible and vocal figure within the squad.
His ability to inspire teammates through his electrifying displays and unrelenting work ethic makes him a natural choice for future leadership roles.
As Madrid looks to transition into a new era with players like Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick, Vinicius’ leadership will be invaluable.
Madrid’s Upcoming Challenges in La Liga
Following their Copa del Rey triumph over Sociedad, Real Madrid will shift their attention back to La Liga, where they face Real Betis next.
The title race is incredibly tight, with Madrid, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid separated by just a single point. Every game from this point forward will be crucial in determining the 2024 La Liga champion.
Ancelotti’s squad will need to maintain its defensive solidity and attacking efficiency while rotating players to handle the demands of multiple competitions.
With players like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo in top form, Madrid remains a strong contender for the league title.
The Veteran Presence in Madrid’s Midfield
- At 34 years old, Toni Kroos remains one of Madrid’s most reliable midfielders, dictating the tempo of games with his pinpoint passing and exceptional vision.
- Despite speculation about retirement, Kroos continues to perform at the highest level, forming a crucial midfield partnership with Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga. His experience will be key as Madrid pushes for multiple trophies this season.
- Off the pitch, Kroos’ leadership and sense of humor contribute to the positive atmosphere within the team, as evidenced by his recent joke at Vinicius’ expense.
- One of the standout moments from the game was Endrick’s winning goal, which further cemented his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.
- At just 17, the Brazilian forward has already demonstrated his ability to perform on big occasions. His partnership with Vinicius Jr. could be a major asset for Madrid in the coming years.
- With the departure of Karim Benzema and questions over Kylian Mbappe’s potential arrival, Endrick’s development could be crucial in shaping Madrid’s attacking future.
Vinicius Jr.: Leading the Biggest Club in the World
Vinicius Jr. understands the weight of responsibility that comes with being Real Madrid’s captain. He continued:
“I’m happy with the team, with being able to reach a semi-final of the Cup as captain of the biggest club in the world. It’s something inexplicable.”
Being the leader of one of the most successful clubs in football history is no small feat. Legends like Sergio Ramos, Raul, and Iker Casillas have worn the armband before him, and Vinicius hopes to follow in their footsteps.
A Journey Filled with Challenges
Vinicius joined Real Madrid from Flamengo in 2018 as one of the most promising young talents. However, his early years were met with criticism regarding his finishing and decision-making.
Despite the pressure, he continued working hard, improving his skills, and eventually becoming one of the most exciting attackers in world football.
His breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season, when he played a crucial role in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double.
Vinicius’ Growing Influence in the Team
Over the years, Vinicius has established himself as an attacking leader for Real Madrid.
His statistics reflect his importance to the squad:
- 299 appearances for the senior side
- 102 goals and 74 assists
- Three La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies
Beyond the numbers, his energy, dribbling skills, and ability to perform in crucial moments make him indispensable to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Aiming for More Milestones
Vinicius isn’t satisfied with his current achievements. He has his sights set on breaking more records at Real Madrid.
“Next game I’ll be at 300 games, and I already want 400 and 500. I want to make history at this club.”
His ambition is clear: he wants to continue winning trophies and cement his place among Real Madrid’s greatest players.
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Recognition on the Global Stage
Vinicius’ performances have earned him recognition beyond Real Madrid. He finished second in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, behind Lionel Messi.
With his current trajectory, many believe he has the potential to win the Ballon d’Or in the future, joining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema as Madrid legends who have claimed the prestigious award.
As Karim Benzema left Madrid in 2023, Vinicius has taken on a bigger attacking responsibility. His partnership with Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and new signings continues to excite fans.
With Kylian Mbappe rumors still swirling, Madrid’s attack could become even stronger. However, Vinicius remains the heart of the team, with his leadership growing every season.
Also Read: Vinicius Jr.: Net Worth 2023, Career, Bio, Wiki, Height, Weight, Awards and More
