As Vinicius Jr readies himself to travel to Paris and receive the 2024 Ballon d’Or, his latest performance in the Clasico was far from ideal. Despite hosting the future best player in the world, Real Madrid suffered a crushing 4-0 home defeat against Barcelona, where frustration was heightened by a confrontation between the Brazilian star and Barça’s Gavi.
Real Madrid anticipated a hard-fought Clasico, yet the loss proved far harsher. The team struggled to contain Barcelona’s relentless attacks, and even the presence of Ballon d’Or favorite Vinicius Jr couldn’t alter the outcome. On the eve of accepting the ultimate individual accolade, the Brazilian forward was targeted by Gavi’s taunts.
Late in the match, Gavi, fresh from a long injury break, entered with unmatched energy and aggression, aiming to unsettle Vinicius. Unfazed by the provocations he’s often subjected to, the Brazilian appealed to the referee for a yellow card against Gavi. But buoyed by Barcelona’s dominant score, Gavi didn’t stop. He further mocked Vinicius, chanting “4-0, 4-0!” with exaggerated gestures to underscore Barça’s superiority. Vinicius maintained his composure, mindful of his reputation just hours before his grand ceremony.
Real Madrid’s heavy defeat ahead of Vinicius’ celebration
This 4-0 loss is a significant setback for Real Madrid in the Liga title race, leaving them six points behind Barça. Vinicius Jr, despite this disappointment, will need to move past the defeat as he prepares to celebrate his individual achievement in Paris. However, the shadow of this Clasico loss will likely linger over the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Though Vinicius’ skills and talent couldn’t shift the game’s momentum, Barcelona’s victory underscored their control. With this painful defeat, Vinicius departs for Paris, carrying both the weight of a heavy loss and the anticipation of his crowning moment.
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