Mbappé’s gesture with Vini Jr steals the show in Real Madrid’s La Liga thrashing

At the Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo, on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Real Madrid defeated Real Oviedo 3-0 in a match valid for the second round of La Liga. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Vinícius Júnior, coming off the bench, provided an assist and sealed the scoreline in stoppage time. A standout moment came during the celebration of the second goal when Mbappé covered Vini Jr’s mouth to stop him from arguing with the referee after receiving a yellow card for diving. The Frenchman’s gesture went viral on social media, sparking thousands of shares and praise for the chemistry between the two stars. The victory solidified Real Madrid’s unbeaten run, with six points, tying Barcelona and Villarreal at the top. Meanwhile, Oviedo, newly promoted to the top flight, remain pointless in the competition.

The match saw Real Madrid dominate possession and create chances from the outset. Rodrygo, starting in place of Vini Jr, had two clear opportunities but was denied by goalkeeper Escandell. Oviedo, backed by a packed stadium, tried to respond with counterattacks but struggled against the visitors’ solid defense. The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute of the first half, with Mbappé finishing a pass from Arda Güler with precision.

In the second half, Vini Jr’s introduction added dynamism to Real Madrid’s attack. The Brazilian, booed by the home crowd, responded with a decisive performance but also sparked controversy with a yellow card for diving and subsequent arguments with the referee. Mbappé’s intervention, covering his teammate’s mouth during the celebration, was seen as a moment of leadership and camaraderie, widely discussed by fans.

Chemistry between Mbappé and Vini Jr

The partnership between Mbappé and Vini Jr was the match’s highlight. The Frenchman, in his first full season with Real Madrid, showed great synergy with the Brazilian, who was pivotal despite starting on the bench. The second goal, in the 38th minute of the second half, came from a move started by Vini Jr, who stole the ball in the attacking third and set up Mbappé for the finish.

• Mbappé’s first goal: In the 37th minute of the first half, he received a pass from Güler and slotted a low shot into the corner.
• Vini Jr’s assist: The Brazilian dispossessed a defender and passed to Mbappé for the second goal.
• Vini Jr’s goal: In stoppage time, he dribbled past the defense and curled a shot to seal the rout.
• Synergy: The duo combined for 10 shots, six on target.

Mbappé’s gesture to calm Vini Jr during the celebration was praised by fans and analysts, who noted the Frenchman’s maturity in preventing a potential red card for his teammate.

JAJAJAJAJAJAA

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ x VINI JR. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Tzs28pccUO

— MT2 (@madrid_total2) August 24, 2025

On-field controversies

The match wasn’t without tension, particularly involving Vini Jr. The Brazilian, booed from the start by Oviedo fans, responded with taunts after scoring the third goal. His yellow card for diving, received in the 20th minute of the second half, led to heated exchanges with referee Ricardo De Burgos. Mbappé’s quick intervention was crucial in de-escalating the situation and keeping the focus on the game.

Another contentious moment was Real Madrid’s first goal. Oviedo protested a possible foul by Tchouaméni in the build-up, but the VAR upheld the referee’s decision. Despite the complaints, Real Madrid maintained control and gave no chance for a comeback.

• Yellow card: Vini Jr was booked for diving in the 20th minute of the second half.
• Oviedo’s complaint: The home side contested the validity of the first goal.
• Mbappé’s management: The Frenchman’s action prevented further escalation.

Xabi Alonso’s strategy

Xabi Alonso’s decision to bench Vini Jr raised eyebrows, but the coach explained it as part of a rotation to manage player fatigue in a demanding season. Rodrygo and young Argentine Mastantuono started, but Vini Jr’s entrance changed the game’s tempo. Alonso, in the post-match press conference, praised the Brazilian’s response and highlighted the team’s focus.

Real Madrid showed tactical versatility, with Tchouaméni and Valverde controlling the midfield and Güler acting as a creative hub. The defense, led by Rüdiger, remained impenetrable, with the team yet to concede in La Liga.

Real Oviedo’s struggles

Real Oviedo, back in the top flight after 25 years, found it tough to compete with Real Madrid. Despite a clear chance from Sibo, who hit the post, Veljko Paunović’s side couldn’t break through the opposition defense. Goalkeeper Escandell made at least three key saves, but Real Madrid’s technical superiority shone through.

• Return to La Liga: Oviedo are back in the top division after over two decades.
• Missed opportunity: Sibo struck the post in one of their few dangerous moves.
• Overworked defense: Escandell made crucial saves but couldn’t prevent the loss.
• Next challenge: Oviedo face Real Sociedad on Saturday, seeking their first points.

The home crowd, filling the Carlos Tartiere, remains hopeful, but the team needs to sharpen its attack to avoid the relegation zone.

Social media buzz and upcoming matches

Mbappé’s gesture went viral, with videos of the moment amassing thousands of shares. Fans praised the Frenchman’s leadership and the growing bond with Vini Jr, who answered the boos with a goal and an assist. Real Madrid return to action on Saturday, August 30, against Mallorca at 4:30 PM (Brasília time) at the Santiago Bernabéu. Oviedo face Real Sociedad at 2:00 PM on the same day at the Carlos Tartiere.

• Viral video: Mbappé’s gesture was widely shared across social platforms.
• Fan praise: The duo’s chemistry was a focal point for supporters.
• Next round: Real Madrid aim to stay top against Mallorca.
• Oviedo’s challenge: The home side need a response against Real Sociedad.

The win reinforces Real Madrid’s status as title favorites, with Mbappé and Vini Jr driving the team’s ambitions.