Real Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Valencia in the Super Cup semi-final on Friday evening, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial red card shown to Vinicius Junior. The Brazil international’s dismissal, which came with just 11 minutes remaining, left fans and pundits alike debating whether the decision was justified. Despite the setback, Madrid managed to pull off a dramatic late comeback, scoring two goals in quick succession to seal the win and progress to the final.
Vinicius Junior, visibly upset by the situation, took to social media to offer an apology to his teammates and express his regret over the incident. Meanwhile, Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, made his displeasure with the referee’s decision clear, confirming that the club would be appealing the red card. In this article, we take a closer look at the controversial red card, Vinicius’ apology, and what this incident means for Real Madrid moving forward.
The Red Card Incident: What Happened?
The incident that led to Vinicius Junior’s red card took place in the final stages of the match, with Real Madrid trailing 1-0 to Valencia. The Brazil forward was involved in a confrontation with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski after a seemingly harmless incident. Dimitrievski, who was attempting to waste time in the dying minutes of the match, had the ball in his hands when Vinicius approached him. In what appeared to be a response to some provocation from the goalkeeper, Vinicius pushed Dimitrievski.
Referee decisions in high-stakes matches often stir up emotions, but this particular red card raised many eyebrows. The push by Vinicius was seen by some as an act of frustration, but many believed that the situation could have been handled differently by the referee, who opted to send off the Real Madrid player without any clear indication that the push was violent or premeditated.
At the time of the red card, Real Madrid were in a precarious position, already trailing by a goal and having just witnessed Jude Bellingham miss a penalty earlier in the second half. The dismissal seemed to complicate their chances of mounting a comeback, and many thought the game was slipping away from them.
The Dramatic Comeback: Modric and Bellingham Save the Day
Despite being reduced to ten men, Real Madrid rallied together and pulled off an extraordinary late comeback. Luka Modric scored the equalizing goal in the 85th minute, showing his composure and experience in a critical moment. The Croatian midfielder, a longtime stalwart for Los Blancos, found space in the box and slotted the ball past the Valencia goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
With momentum on their side, Real Madrid kept pressing, and just when it seemed like the match was heading for extra time, Jude Bellingham made amends for his earlier penalty miss. In the fifth minute of added time, Bellingham found the back of the net with a clinical finish, securing a 2-1 win for Madrid and sending them into the Super Cup final.
The late drama meant that Vinicius Junior’s red card, while still controversial, became a mere footnote in an exhilarating match. However, the incident left a bitter taste for many, as questions were raised over the referee’s decision and whether Vinicius was unfairly punished.
Vinicius Junior Apologizes: “Sorry and Thanks Team!”
In the aftermath of the red card, Vinicius Junior took to social media to express his regret and offer an apology to his teammates and the fans. The 22-year-old posted a message that read: “Sorry and thanks team!” It was a humble acknowledgment from the Brazilian forward, who has been one of Real Madrid’s standout players in recent seasons.
The apology came after a difficult few days for Vinicius, who has already been a target for controversy this season, both on and off the pitch. The incident with Dimitrievski and the subsequent red card only added to the drama surrounding his season, but Vinicius’ decision to take responsibility for the situation was well-received by many fans and teammates.
Real Madrid’s players, including captain Karim Benzema, also expressed their support for Vinicius, rallying around him in the face of the controversy. In a team built on unity and resilience, the collective effort to secure the win over Valencia spoke volumes about the spirit within the squad, despite the adversity caused by the red card.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Reaction: Appeal Confirmed
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s veteran manager, was understandably upset with the decision to send Vinicius off, especially given the context of the match. After the game, Ancelotti made it clear that the club would be appealing the red card.
“We thought it wasn’t a red card, it was two yellow cards,” Ancelotti said in his post-match comments. “We are going to appeal, I don’t think there will be a sanction for him. We think it wasn’t a red card.”
Ancelotti further explained that he believed Vinicius was provoked by Dimitrievski’s actions, which he saw as an attempt to waste time and unsettle the Real Madrid player. The Italian manager also stated that while Vinicius had pushed the goalkeeper, it was not a violent act deserving of a red card. According to Ancelotti, the incident could have been handled with two yellow cards, rather than the harsh decision of a red card.
“I think that with two yellow cards it was settled,” Ancelotti added. “Vini suffered and I don’t want to say that he fell into the trap. There are days when things go well for him and other times a little less so. Hopefully, he can play in the next game.”
Ancelotti’s comments reflect the frustration within the Real Madrid camp, where the red card is seen as a mistake that could have been avoided. The club remains confident that they will be able to overturn the decision, and they have already confirmed their intention to launch an official appeal.
La Liga and RFEF’s Position on the Red Card
As it stands, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has already acknowledged that Vinicius Junior was provoked by the actions of Stole Dimitrievski. According to reports from MARCA, the RFEF is preparing to issue a two-match ban for Vinicius, which would be a reduced sanction compared to the usual four-match suspension handed out for violent conduct.
The reduction in the ban is seen as a recognition of the mitigating circumstances surrounding the incident, with the RFEF agreeing that the push was not a deliberate act of aggression but rather a response to provocation from the Valencia goalkeeper. The decision to issue a two-match ban, rather than a longer suspension, reflects the understanding that Vinicius was reacting to Dimitrievski’s behavior, rather than engaging in an act of outright violence.
This move has led to some questions about the consistency of disciplinary actions in La Liga, with critics suggesting that a harsher penalty might have been handed down if the roles had been reversed. However, the RFEF’s leniency in this case could be seen as a step toward more balanced and fair adjudication of on-field incidents.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Vinicius and Real Madrid?
As the appeal process unfolds, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid will be hoping for a positive outcome that clears the forward to feature in upcoming matches. The club is eager to have their star player available for the Super Cup final, where they will face a tough opponent in the battle for the prestigious trophy. With Vinicius’ form this season, having him sidelined would be a major blow to Real Madrid’s ambitions.
In the meantime, Vinicius will continue to focus on his performances on the pitch and his commitment to the team. While the red card incident remains a point of contention, Vinicius’ apology and the support of his teammates show that the squad remains united in the face of adversity.
For now, the focus will be on Real Madrid’s pursuit of silverware this season, and Vinicius will be hoping to put this incident behind him and continue to deliver the kind of performances that have made him one of the brightest talents in European football.
Conclusion: A Controversial Incident in a Crucial Victory
Vinicius Junior’s red card against Valencia has sparked plenty of debate, with many questioning whether the decision was harsh or unfair. However, Real Madrid’s resilience in the face of adversity and their dramatic comeback in the match showed the strength of their squad. Vinicius’ apology and Ancelotti’s decision to appeal the red card highlight the club’s commitment to supporting their players, and there is optimism that the decision may be overturned.
As the appeal process continues, Vinicius and Real Madrid will be focused on the upcoming Super Cup final, with the hope that their star forward will be available to help guide them to yet another trophy. For now, the team is united, and their victory over Valencia remains a testament to their determination and character.
