When Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal in Real Madrid's 2–1 win over Rayo Vallecano, the significance of his celebration was impossible to miss. He ran towards the crowd, repeatedly kissing the Real badge on his shirt, before raising his arms and urging the supporters to lift the noise inside the stadium. Throughout the match he continued to engage with the stands, directing his calls for support towards the ultras, who set the tone inside the Bernabeu. It felt like an intentional