Eder Militao responds to Valencia fans with unexpected gesture after tense Real Madrid win

Eder Militao ended Real Madrid’s eventful visit to Valencia by giving his warm-up shirt to two supporters who had earlier criticised Antonio Rudiger during the match.

The meeting, which Real Madrid won by a wide margin, featured several tense moments on the pitch. The friction continued away from it, including an incident in the tunnel to the dressing rooms during the interval.

According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Rudiger angered two Valencia fans seated behind the Real Madrid bench when he left the technical area to celebrate enthusiastically after Arda Guler put the visitors 2-0 ahead at Mestalla.

The supporters shouted criticism at the Germany defender over the manner of his celebration. Rudiger appeared to respond by imitating Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark celebration, creating a moment that was viewed as humorous despite the confrontation.

Later in the game, Militao and Rudiger both left the bench to protest against a decision made by the assistant referee. When they returned, the same two supporters gestured towards them in an unfriendly manner and told them to sit down.

Their attitude changed after the final whistle.

The fans asked Militao for the shirt he had worn during the warm-up. Without hesitation, the Brazil defender walked towards the area where they were standing, removed the shirt and handed it to them.

The two supporters reacted with obvious happiness, placing their hands over their hearts to show their gratitude to the Real Madrid player.

A video of the exchange was later widely shared on social media. One user posted a picture of the supporters and asked: “Aren’t these the same two people who directed all kinds of criticism at Antonio while he was celebrating the goal?”

Militao replied to the comment, writing: “Yes, we should not live with grudges.”

The defender’s gesture provided a friendly conclusion to another high-profile and tense Real Madrid visit to the city of Valencia, bringing an end to the arguments that had unfolded both during the match and around the substitutes’ bench.