Espanyol’s controversial tweet
After Real Madrid’s 1-2 win at the RCDE Stadium, Espanyol used its official X account to launch a direct message at Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior. The tweet, which quickly went viral, read: «¿A partir de cuántas piscinas se saca la segunda amarilla? Es para un amigo». With this phrase Espanyol questioned refereeing decisions and suggested the Brazilian had simulated fouls to avoid a second yellow card.
The message appeared just after the match ended, when Real Madrid had scored the decisive goal in the final minutes thanks to debutant Carlos Espí. The post sparked an intense debate in the mixed zone and on social media, with fans of both teams exchanging views.
Thibaut Courtois’s reply
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois did not hesitate to respond. In the mixed zone, Courtois criticized Espanyol’s attitude and pointed out that the blue-and-white club had also suffered harsher sanctions during the game. He mentioned the Cala incident and various fouls committed by Espanyol, arguing that forwards often seek contact and that the referee had made the right call.
Courtois concluded that it was easier to “always sweep for home” and asked Espanyol’s fans to look “inward before criticizing”. His response became a reference point for the debate over refereeing impartiality.
Fan reactions
While players and management focused on the controversy, Real Madrid supporters also voiced their discontent. Some demanded a red card for Àlex Calatrava, the scorer of Espanyol’s lone goal, claiming he had kicked Vinicius Junior when he was on the ground after having previously knocked him down.
The episode reflects the intensity of matches between the two clubs and how quickly social media can amplify tensions that arise on the pitch.
