In a dramatic encounter at Valencia's Mestalla Stadium on January 3, 2025, Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory marked by late goals from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham. The match took a controversial turn in the 79th minute when forward Vinícius Júnior received a straight red card following an altercation with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.
The incident began when Dimitrievski appeared to push Vinícius, who retaliated by striking the goalkeeper. After a VAR review, referee César Soto Grado issued a red card to the Brazilian winger. Post-match, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disagreement with the decision, stating, "We felt the sending-off should have been two yellows, one for each player, but they showed Vini Jr. a red. We're going to appeal it; I'm not sure if they'll overturn it."
Ancelotti further elaborated, suggesting that both players were at fault and that yellow cards would have sufficed: "Dimitrievski laid hands on him, and then there was Vini Jr.'s shove. Two yellows would have sufficed, and that would have been it."
The club's decision to appeal the red card is significant, as Vinícius could face a suspension ranging from two to four matches, depending on the disciplinary committee's assessment. Such a suspension would see him miss crucial fixtures, including upcoming La Liga matches and potentially the Spanish Super Cup.
This incident adds to a series of contentious moments involving Vinícius Júnior, who has previously been at the center of on-field altercations and has faced criticism for his reactions under provocation. The outcome of Real Madrid's appeal will be closely watched, given its potential impact on the team's lineup in forthcoming matches.
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