Real Madrid Fans’ Reaction to Nicolás Otamendi After He Showed the World Cup to Vinícius
A tense moment unfolded during the warm-up ahead of the decisive Champions League clash.
The atmosphere at the Santiago Bernabéu was white-hot long before the first whistle. While Real Madrid vs. Benfica is a classic European heavyweight clash, the spotlight wasn't just on the tactics—it was fixed squarely on a single "villain": Nicolás Otamendi.
The Benfica captain was the primary target of a hostile Madridista crowd in a night that felt more like a personal grudge match than a standard Champions League in Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
When the stadium’s PA system began announcing the Benfica starting XI, the usual murmurs turned into a deafening roar of disapproval. While other visitors were greeted with standard professional indifference, the volume peaked when Otamendi’s name was called. Even before the warm-ups hit full gear, the veteran Argentine was subjected to the loudest boos of the 2026 season.
The Lisbon Grudge: Vini Jr. and the Social Media War
The Bernabéu faithful have a long memory. The hostility stems directly from the first leg in Lisbon, where Otamendi and Vinícius Júnior were locked in a physical and verbal battle for 90 minutes.
The Spark: Images of the two exchanging heated words and gestures went viral for days leading up to the return leg.
The Fallout: Madrid fans viewed Otamendi as the chief antagonist in a match that transcended sportsmanship, setting the stage for a "warm" welcome in the Spanish capital.
The Prestianni Shadow
The tension was further fueled by the recent drama surrounding Gianluca Prestianni. Despite the young Argentine being absent due to his UEFA suspension, the war of words between the two clubs over the investigation has turned this tie into a diplomatic incident. Since Prestianni wasn't there to face the music, the crowd redirected all that frustration toward the man wearing the captain’s armband: Otamendi.
Every time his face appeared on the giant screens or his boot touched the ball during drills, the whistles returned. It wasn't just a random boo; it was a calculated response from a fan base that had marked him since the minute they left Portugal.
A Psychological Test of Character
Otamendi, a seasoned veteran with a trophy cabinet full of medals (including a World Cup), tried to play the role of the stoic leader. He remained visibly focused, communicating with his teammates and avoiding any eye contact with the stands.
However, the Bernabéu is an expert at playing "the 12th man." For Real Madrid, the noise provided a massive emotional boost; for Benfica, it was a trial by fire.
The Road to the Round of 16
The stakes couldn't be higher. The winner of this aggregate battle secures a spot in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, where giants like Manchester City or a high-flying Sporting CP could be waiting in Friday’s draw.
The Verdict: The Bernabéu sent a clear message: what happens in Lisbon doesn't stay in Lisbon. Otamendi may have the experience to handle the pressure, but Madrid has ensured that his path to the next round will be the most uncomfortable 90 minutes of his season.
