It’s been a rough 2015 for Javier Hernandez. After a surprising move from Manchester United to Spanish fútbol giants Real Madrid, Hernandez spent the last four months mostly riding the bench. But Chicharito’s game-winning goal during Real’s Champions League match versus bitter rivals Atlético Madrid gave him a taste of redemption.
Before his game-winning goal, the “Little Pea” was the butt of joke after joke on social media.
— ¿Por qué tan sólita en la banca?
— Porque soy el Chicharito
#TrabajosParaElChicharito pic.twitter.com/YcUP3radzH— BęRNåRDȍ SąNGɇNȉS (@PoeCasanova) March 12, 2015
Indeed truth. Poor Chicharito Hernandez. He sitted on the bench more than doing anything else pic.twitter.com/nwTXCZSs7L
— bryani (@LMAOBRYAN69) January 3, 2015
Chicharito, ¿Aquí también eres banca? #tri #meme http://t.co/o3IjdwcB3S #EsDelDiablo #SeRumora pic.twitter.com/9SWVMFMqqO
— Lo más divertido!! (@elcatenacho) March 28, 2015
Chicharito’s new girlfriend became a bigger story than his performances for Real:
Chícharito feliz en el Madrid, en la banca…..pero feliz !! pic.twitter.com/KW6QvELaNj
— Axel Solís Ramírez (@axelsolisrmz) March 25, 2015
With Real Madrid beset by injuries, Chicharito was given a starting spot in an important match – the second leg of the Champions League semifinal versus Atlético Madrid. Would Chicharito prove the doubters wrong?
The Pressure Was On
These are the occasions Chicharito joined Real Madrid for. You don't get this at Southampton, Stoke or even Sevilla.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) April 22, 2015
When Chicharito Was Announced as a Starter, Doubters Were Out in Force
What is @MrAncelotti thinking, putting chicharito on the starting 11?!?
— DΣLΣΩΠ (@DeL10nOfficial) April 22, 2015
Bale, Benzema, and Modric all out today. Don't like our chances of advancing. Oh and Chicharito is starting..great pic.twitter.com/BLXo2hMWVz
— Jake Crenshaw (@jdcrenshaw29) April 22, 2015
-Oye chicharito
-diga mister
-vas de titular
– pic.twitter.com/Nh0gAi89Zi— Don Casaquero GT (@DonCasaquero) April 22, 2015
But So Were the Believers
— The Colorful Kit (@TheColorfulKit) April 22, 2015
During the Match, Chicharito Was Taking a Beating
https://vine.co/v/eap1HH2Ke3p
https://vine.co/v/eapdqeZL7OU
And Had Some Chances to Score
https://vine.co/v/eapP6WVpral
But It Looked Like It Wasn’t Going to Be His Day
https://vine.co/v/eapXP697hHZ
Until the Dying Moments of the Match
Credit: Fox Soccer
In the 87th minute, Chicharito put Real Madrid up 1-0.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Credit: Fox Soccer
That celebration is equal parts joy and relief.
Some Fans Instantly Changed Their Minds
I TAKE BACK WHAT I SAID I LOVE YOU CHICHARITO
— . (@ModricAssist) April 22, 2015
While the Bernabeu Stadium Erupted in a Chicharito Chant
As He Rested on the Bench, Chicharito Was Emotional
https://vine.co/v/eapExYHuYrx
He finally got to play, helped his team win and he quieted his haters. Not bad for a day’s work.
The Chicharito “Hero” Memes Were Unleashed
how people see Chicharito rn pic.twitter.com/v1Yq1VQ9yK
— A. (@Barzaboy) April 22, 2015
Even Chicharito’s Former Teammates Congratulated Him
@CH14_ Yes congrats mate
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) April 22, 2015
Not surprised…
@CH14_
So pleased for you mate ????— Michael Carrick (@carras16) April 22, 2015
And Although Chicharito Remained Humble in his Comments to the Media, He Was Probably Thinking:
