Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois defended teammate Vinicius Junior after RCD Espanyol posted a controversial tweet mocking the Brazilian winger during Real Madrid's 1-2 victory on Saturday at RCDE Stadium.
The match was decided in the 90th minute when substitute Carlos Espí scored shortly after coming off the bench. The win marked a successful debut for Real Madrid manager José Mourinho, who utilized all his available substitutes in the matchday two LaLiga EA Sports fixture.
Real Madrid are one of the dominant clubs in Spanish football, while Barcelona-based RCD Espanyol host their home matches at the RCDE Stadium in Catalonia. Tensions flared during the game despite the late result, with focus turning quickly to social media commentary posted by the host club.
Espanyol social media post
During the match, Espanyol's official account on X posted a sarcastic message targeting Vinicius Junior after the winger went down inside the penalty area asking for a penalty. Vinicius was already playing on a yellow card at the time of the incident.
Espanyol officials and supporters believed the Brazilian international had exaggerated the contact and should have received a second yellow card for simulation. On X, the club asked how many dives were required before a player received a second yellow card, adding mockingly that they were asking for a friend.
The post circulated rapidly, triggering widespread debate and angry responses from football fans on social media. Many users criticized referee José María Sánchez Martínez, alleging that he had repeatedly spared Espanyol player Álex Calatrava, known as Cala, from being sent off.
Supporters highlighted two specific incidents involving Cala. Just three minutes into the game, Cala kicked Vinicius in the back while the ball was out of play, an action fans felt warranted a direct red card for violent conduct. In the 45th minute, shortly after the start of the second half, Cala made another challenge with studs showing on Álvaro Carreras without receiving further punishment.
In response to Espanyol's post, users asked how many kicks a player could deliver before being sent off, also framing the query for another friend. Other comments condemned the host club, accusing them of hypocrisy for complaining about refereeing decisions while remaining silent when benefiting from calls in other fixtures.
Courtois defends Vinicius and calls out rivals
Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian international goalkeeper who joined Real Madrid in 2018, delivered a firm defense of his teammate following the final whistle. Courtois stated that he would like to see opponent clubs post similar social media messages when playing against teams other than Real Madrid, urging clubs to look in the mirror and assess their own players before pointing fingers.
The goalkeeper pointed out that Cala should have been sent off much earlier in the match due to his kick to Vinicius' back, his existing yellow card, and his challenge on Carreras early in the second half. Courtois added that the foul on Carreras would have resulted in a yellow card in any normal circumstance, which would have triggered a sending off.
Courtois also rejected Espanyol's criticism of Vinicius, explaining that all forwards go to ground when they feel contact. He stated that Vinicius felt contact before falling and expressed confidence that the referee handled that specific situation correctly. Courtois concluded by urging clubs to evaluate their own players' behavior rather than fueling online hatred directed at the Brazilian forward.
