The match between Real Madrid and Villarreal became an episode of high tension when Brazilian striker Vinicius Jr. scored the team's second goal and, shortly after, was sent off with a direct red card for aggression. The match, which was played at the Santiago Bernabéu, went from euphoria to anger in a matter of seconds, leaving Madrid with a complicated situation ahead of the next Clásico.
Vinicius came on as a substitute in the first half, beating Diomandé on the left wing and contributing to the opening goal. In the second half, coach José Mourinho made an offensive change that placed Vinicius in Alexander-Arnold's position and reduced Valverde to full-back. The striker created several opportunities and, together with Diomandé, propelled the team to the lead. Vinicius' goal came after a play by Bellingham that took him almost to the baseline and left him the ball to score easily.
During the goal celebration, Mourinho approached the band and joined the party with Vinicius, without much attention being paid to him. While Madrid regained possession, referee Isidro Díaz de Mera went to the VAR to review the action that had generated the goal and the possible annulment. The VAR revealed that Vinicius had clearly grabbed Saliba's hair, an action that not only disallowed the goal, but also led to the player's direct expulsion.
Vinicius, outraged, protested the decision while being separated by his teammates. The expulsion leaves Real Madrid with one less player and raises doubts about the star's participation in the next Clásico, depending on the decision the club makes after the match report. The team will have to adjust its strategy and look for alternatives to face the rival in the next phase of the competition.