Vinicius Jr reignited his ongoing feud with Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo during a tense Super Cup match at the Bernabeu on Thursday night, where Real Madrid triumphed 3-0. The two players have a history, having clashed in the 2021-22 season after a heavy challenge from Maffeo on Vinicius. Although it seemed they had reconciled, tensions flared again during this encounter.

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Just 10 minutes into the match, Maffeo’s aggressive man-marking led to an altercation when Vinicius waved his hand at Maffeo, prompting the defender to theatrically go to ground in an attempt to draw a foul. Jude Bellingham, along with Real Madrid’s substitutes, protested against what they perceived as a dive, urging referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea to take action. While the referee spoke to both players, he ultimately let play continue.

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As the teams headed off for halftime, Vinicius reportedly warned Maffeo about his antics. Real Madrid’s assistant coach, Davide Ancelotti, attempted to mediate, but the tension persisted. Following Jude Bellingham’s goal in the 63rd minute, Vinicius was caught on camera taunting Maffeo, repeatedly calling him “terrible” in Spanish and telling him to “go back home.”

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Vinicius was later substituted for Brahim Diaz, but the hostilities continued after the match when Raul Ascencio was held back by Ancelotti to prevent him from receiving a late booking.

Before the match, Maffeo had stirred the pot by claiming in a podcast interview that he would confidently face Vinicius in a boxing ring, stating, “I think I’d knock him out in ten seconds.” Despite their rivalry, Maffeo has publicly supported Vinicius in his fight against racism in Spanish football, acknowledging that the racist behavior directed at Vinicius should be condemned.

The victory in the Supercopa semi-final sets up another El Clasico showdown, as Real Madrid will face their fierce rivals Barcelona in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, following Barcelona’s win over Athletic Club.