When Taunts Backfire: Real Madrid Edges Alavés as Valverde Resilience Steals the Show

Match Incident and Aftermath

Deportivo Alavés fans directed an insulting gesture at Real Madrid star Federico Valverde during the showdown that Madrid won 2-1 away.

The incident occurred in the first half when the Uruguayan midfielder suffered an injury, and as he received treatment on the pitch, part of the home crowd shouted abusive phrases, including: "Run him over, run his head over".

The taunts sparked widespread anger on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Real Madrid fans, and were rejected by a segment of Alavés supporters themselves, who called it uncivilized and unacceptable.

Despite the injury, Valverde showed high fighting spirit, managing to finish the match until the final whistle, a scene that earned wide praise from fans and pundits who lauded his bravery and sacrifice for the team.

Madrid clinched a hard-fought victory over Alavés in La Liga round 15.

Madrid's goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo, while Carlos Vicente scored Alavés' lone goal.

With the victory, Real Madrid moved to 39 points in second place in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona, while Alavés stayed on 18 points in 12th.

Punchline: If taunting were a sport, that section would be a champion’s league.

Punchline 2: Valverde showed more heart than the chorus had rhythm—tonight football won, and so did the jokes.