Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has something to do as one of his star strikers, Vinicius Junior, is facing a red card suspension in last weekend’s intense clash against Valencia.
The Brazilian striker was sent off in the dying moments of the 2-1 win at Mestalla after a heated altercation with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. It seemed that Vinicius had pushed Dimitrievski, running his hands down the goalkeeper’s back to his neck and head.
The incident, which saw Vinicius visibly frustrated with the referee’s decision, has led to a two-match suspension, according to the RFEF.
If that’s the case, Real Madrid could miss him in the next critical matches. The sports news points to the situation, and Real Madrid hopes to appeal.
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Vinicius Jr. suspended for two games by the Spanish federation.
Although the violent habit is accompanied by a minimum suspension of 4 matches, the RFEF considered that this incident was a “minor infraction” provided for in article 103. 2, and not in the more serious article 103. 1, which would have carried a longer sanction.
His absence of two games will put him against Las Palmas and Valladolid in La Liga. Meanwhile, Vinicius will be able to participate in the team’s upcoming Spanish Super Cup matches.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti was vocal about the decision after the match, calling it harsh. “It should’ve been two yellows — one for each player,” he said. “We’re going to appeal. Vini Jr. is crucial for us, and we hope he can play in the next game.”
Vinicius Jr. earned the red card after this incident with the Valencia goalkeeper reviewed through the VAR. pic. twitter. com/3VhfOJL4On
Real Madrid have indeed followed through on that, as the club has lodged an appeal of the two-match ban. Instead, they are hoping for an overturn of the red card which would see Vinicius avoid any suspension at all.
While the red card stole the show, Jude Bellingham pulled off the win for Real Madrid.
After missing a penalty in the second half, the Englishman set up Luka Modric to equalize and then scored a dramatic winner in the minute.
Ancelotti praised Bellingham, saying, “The missed penalty motivated him. He worked hard and showed why he’s so important to the team.”
The win propelled Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga table, two points ahead of Atletico Madrid. However, losing Vinicius for key games could pose a significant challenge in maintaining their lead.
Vishal Bhawani is a content producer for The Sporting News.