Madrid derby: hostile Metropolitano for Mbappé, Vinícius and Konaté

After several days of controversy in Spain, Kylian Mbappé, Ibrahima Konaté and Vinícius Jr return to action against Atlético Madrid this weekend. As RMC Sport reports, the three Real Madrid players faced heavy criticism over how they handled a shirt message supporting the people of Ceuta.

The row grew after Atlético’s own supporters and players appeared before the latest Metropolitano match with a banner reading “All with Ceuta”. RMC Sport also points to comments from Enrique Cerezo, Atlético’s president, who said he wanted “everyone, all of Spain” to support Ceuta.

The issue won’t go away

According to RMC Sport, the situation flared again following Real Madrid’s trip to Elche: the three players were accused of refusing to fully unfold a T-shirt displaying “We are all residents of Ceuta”. RMC Sport adds that Mbappé later insisted he supports the enclave’s residents while also saying it shouldn’t mean forgetting migrants who lost their lives. The article further notes that Real Madrid organised an official visit to Ceuta, attended by Florentino Pérez.

Fans expect a rough welcome

With the derby set for Sunday, the article suggests the reception could be uncomfortable. RMC Sport quotes Atlético supporters saying they expect boos and division in the stands: Juan believes the Real players “will be received very badly”, while Marta expects some will boo and others will stay silent out of respect.

In the build-up, RMC Sport brings in former Real midfielder Guti, who urged the players to focus on the match: “In the end, players must concentrate on football; what’s said outside matters little,” he said. Even so, the piece concludes that the extra pressure from the surrounding noise could shape a particularly tense derby day.