Vinícius Júnior faces suspension; Real Madrid worried about missing El Clásico

Real Madrid face the prospect of losing Vinícius Júnior for multiple matches after a red card in the clash with Villarreal, a development that, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, could carry a three-match ban — possibly reduced to two. Even a two-game suspension would have serious implications for the club, including the risk that Vinícius misses El Clásico against Barcelona.

What happened on the pitch

The incident occurred in the 72nd minute of the Villarreal match, when VAR reviewed a situation in which Vinícius pulled the opponent Saliba by the hair and was subsequently shown a red card. Earlier in the same sequence he had scored a goal that was later overturned after the VAR intervention.

The referee's post-match report highlighted Vinícius's conduct after the dismissal. In that report the referee wrote: "After being sent off, Vinícius continued to protest my decision, shouting loudly and behaving aggressively." That passage could be decisive in the disciplinary process.

After the match Vinícius tried to calm tensions with a message on Instagram: "The celebration continues... Apologies to my team and the supporters." He later posted a collage on his Instagram story referencing previous incidents he felt had gone unpunished, adding: "And Vinícius always gets yellow and red, what a shame."

Those reactions increase the chances of a stiffer punishment if the competition authorities judge his behavior after the sending-off to warrant it. A longer suspension would deprive Real Madrid of one of their leading attacking figures at a crucial moment of the season.

At this stage the three-match ban — and the possibility that Vinícius would miss El Clásico — remain scenarios being reported in Spanish media; no final ruling on any sanction has been confirmed yet.

Photo: press material from the event