Vinicius Junior received a red card for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski during a thrilling match at Estadio de Mestalla, where Real Madrid battled to a 2-1 comeback victory, solidifying their position at the top of LaLiga. This match marked Vinicius’s return to Valencia after being subjected to racist abuse by fans earlier in May 2023, adding an emotional layer to the encounter.
The match itself was marked by late drama as Jude Bellingham scored a winner in the 95th minute, capping off Real Madrid’s comeback from a goal down, after Valencia had initially taken the lead through Hugo Duro in the first half. Despite some early struggles, including a missed penalty from Bellingham that hit the post and a disallowed goal for Kylian Mbappe due to a narrow offside decision, Real Madrid fought hard to turn the tide in their favor.
Vinicius Jr.’s dismissal came after an altercation with Dimitrievski, where he made contact with the keeper’s face after being provoked. The VAR review led to the decision of a sending-off for violent conduct. Following the match, Vinicius apologized to his teammates via social media, acknowledging his actions.
This match continued a concerning trend for Real Madrid, as it marks the third consecutive game at Mestalla where a Real Madrid player has been sent off, following similar incidents involving Bellingham and Vinicius last season. Interestingly, the previous incidents were tied to moments of high tension, showcasing the rivalry’s escalating intensity.
Despite these challenges, Real Madrid showcased their resilience, with Luka Modric contributing significantly in the latter stages of the match. Bellingham, although he missed a penalty, redeemed himself by capitalizing on a defensive mistake from Valencia to secure the victory. This resilience underscores Real Madrid’s enduring competitive spirit, emphasizing their ability to fight back even in adverse circumstances.
Overall, while the game highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in attack balance, it also demonstrated the team’s unwavering determination and potential for success as they aim for silverware this season. The incident involving Vinicius can serve as a learning opportunity, reminding players of the importance of composure during intense moments on the pitch.
In summary, Real Madrid’s dramatic win at Valencia, marred by Vinicius’s red card, highlights both the challenges and the fighting spirit within the team as they navigate a season full of intense rivalries and high stakes.