Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior faces two matches on the sidelines for his violent conduct red card in last week’s LaLiga match against Valencia.
The Brazilian was dismissed in the second half at the Mestalla for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski while Madrid was losing 1-0. Los Blancos bounced back from Vinicius being sent off to win 2-1, and retain their two-point advantage at the top over Atletico Madrid.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had said earlier he hoped Vinicius would not face a suspension, considering that red cards for violent conduct generally come with a three-match ban. Despite the ban, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) granted an appeal from the club to reduce the penalty to two league games, thus allowing Vinicius to play in the forthcoming Supercopa de España in Saudi Arabia.
Madrid, who sit top of LaLiga with 43 points, will now turn their attention to defending their Supercopa title. They will be up against Real Mallorca in the semi-finals with a potential final photo finish against either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao. Vinicius’ absence will be a blow in the league, but Madrid will hope to continue the way with his absence.
