Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior faces a four-to-12-match ban for hitting opposition goalkeeper Stola Dimitrievski in the 79th minute of the 2-1 La Liga match against Valencia at the Mestella. After the incident, the Brazilian player was sent off. According to the regulations of the Spanish La Liga, such aggressive behavior without attempting to play the ball is punishable by disqualification. According to Spanish-language publication Mundo Deportivo, Vinicius is likely to receive a minimum fine of four matches. That could rule him out of the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Mallorca, and if they reach the final he could miss the match against Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao.
Vinicius has been playing for Real Madrid since July 2018. In total, he played 286 matches for the club, scored 97 goals and provided 83 assists. He was recently named the 2024 FIFA Best Player of the Year.
Real Madrid won at the Mestalla on matchday 12 of La Liga to finish top of the table in a match that was postponed due to flooding. At half-time, Real Madrid trailed 1-0, but in the second half, despite everything going against them, the reigning champions once again showed that they would not give up until the end. Despite going off after Vini Jr was sent off in the 79th minute, Ancelotti’s men came from behind with goals from Modric in the 85th minute and Bellingham in stoppage time.
It wasn’t like the first game after the Christmas break. The first half was played at a very high tempo with both sides creating many chances. Ancelotti’s side had the first five minutes later when Lucas Vazquez set up Valverde but his powerful shot was blocked by Dimitrievski.
The home side responded twice, with Courtois making two excellent stops on both occasions: first from Hugo Duro’s shot into the area in the 7th minute, and five minutes later in a one-on-one with Foulquier.
The game showed no signs of slowing down and Valencia took the lead before the half-hour mark. Courtois made a spectacular save from Javi Guerra in the penalty area, but Hugo Duro took advantage of the rebound and scored in the 27th minute. From then until the break, Ancelotti’s side were trying to level the score, with Tchouameni and Valverde coming closest with long-range strikes in the 34th and 38th minutes respectively. The best chance came after a superb pass from Ceballos put Vini Jr one on one with Dimitrievski, but he again saved his team.
However, Real Madrid managed to turn the tide in the second half and took three full points. But Vini Jr’s possible suspension will be a concern over the next few matches.
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