Real Madrid edged Valencia 2-1 at Mestalla in a heated La Liga clash, but the spotlight fell on Vinicius Jr. for all the wrong reasons.
With ten minutes left, chaos erupted in the Valencia penalty area. The referee, prompted by VAR, reviewed footage of an altercation where Valencia goalkeeper Dimitrievski appeared to pinch Vinicius on the head while the Brazilian struggled to rise. Incensed, Vinicius lashed out, striking Dimitrievski on the neck. The keeper theatrically collapsed, prompting the referee to brandish a straight red card for Vinicius.
The decision sent Vinicius into a frenzy, his frustration boiling over as teammates, including Antonio Rudiger, physically restrained him to prevent further escalation. Ultimately, the forward was dragged off the pitch, fuming as he headed to the locker room.
Dimitrievski received a yellow card for his role in the incident, but the drama overshadowed a thrilling match. Hugo Duro’s first-half goal for Valencia was undone by late strikes from Luka Modric and Jude Bellingham, sealing Real Madrid’s comeback.
