Guard of honor for Vinícius
As the crowd at Cornellà chanted “Vinícius, beach ball,” the Brazilian just smiled and unleashed his extraordinary talent to send a message to the world: “I’m right here.”
Vinícius Júnior, Ballon d’Or. While the stands mocked him during the Espanyol vs Real Madrid match, he answered the only way he knows how, with two unforgettable goals. Two highlight-reel strikes. Two works of art. Two museum pieces. Two blows to the idea of a guard of honor that many Barcelona fans were already dreaming about ahead of next Sunday’s Clásico. No guard of honor, no nonsense. Vinícius has his flaws, but no one can question his commitment. He always shows up for Real Madrid, gives everything in every game, and never hides. Always available, rarely injured, never making excuses. He has now surpassed 20 goals for a fifth straight season, a feat only achieved at the club by legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano, Ferenc Puskás, Hugo Sánchez, Raúl González, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, among others.
While Vinícius was lighting up Espanyol’s stadium, Kylian Mbappé was landing at Barajas airport in Madrid after a few days on vacation along the Italian coast with his partner. Time off is personal, but the optics are not great. Many expected Mbappé to be putting in extra sessions at Valdebebas to be ready for the decisive game at Camp Nou. It is not the first time, either. Previous getaways to Sweden and Paris had already raised eyebrows. He has not fully grasped the demands of this jersey, and the reaction from fans has been negative. It may be time for reflection.
Hezonja spirit
The greatness of Real Madrid offers constant reminders of what commitment looks like. The basketball team is a clear example. With 11 European titles and on the verge of another Final Four, they showed it again against UCAM Murcia. Trailing by 12 points with four minutes left, the game looked lost. Then Mario Hezonja took over. Alongside the defensive effort of Usman Garuba, Alberto Abalde, and Andrés Feliz, Madrid forced overtime and completed a remarkable comeback. That is Real Madrid DNA. A lesson for others.
A famous anniversary for Real Madrid
It is impossible not to remember May 3, 2000. A Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich, led by Oliver Kahn. Nicolas Anelka, who had arrived for a record fee, delivered the performance of his Madrid career and scored a stunning opener. Míchel Salgado added a second, setting up the win before Madrid finished the job in Munich. That run ended with La Octava (the eighth European Cup won by Real Madrid) in Paris, a dominant 3-0 win over Valencia CF, with goals from Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman, and Raúl. That team struggled domestically but ruled Europe.
Show some pride
The league is gone, but the players must make one last push. Win at the Camp Nou and, even if Barcelona still lift the title, you will have shown that Real Madrid never quits. Dreams of celebrations and guard of honors can backfire. Do it for the fans.
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