Real Madrid’s star winger Vinicius Jr will be sidelined for the next four league matches, including the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona, after a disciplinary committee imposed a four‑game ban. The suspension follows a red card issued in the 1‑0 victory over Villarreal last Saturday, when the Brazilian was shown for pulling defender Nathan Saliba’s hair before the goal. The referee, after reviewing the incident on the pitch‑side monitor, sent Vinicius off and annulled the goal, leaving Real Madrid to celebrate a win without their talisman.
The disciplinary panel’s decision was based on two separate findings. First, the winger was found to have behaved violently while not in a position to challenge for the ball, earning a two‑match ban. Second, he was deemed to have protested the officials’ decision, which added an additional two‑match suspension. The total of four games means Vinicius will miss the fixtures against Sevilla on 18 October, Barcelona on 25 October, Racing Santander on 1 November and Valencia on 7 November.
Vinicius, who entered the match for Real Madrid at the 52nd minute, believed he had scored the second goal of the game. However, the referee’s review showed the foul on Saliba, leading to the dismissal. After the match, Real Madrid manager José Mourinho chose not to attend the post‑match press conference, a rare move that underscored the seriousness of the situation. The winger later issued an apology on social media, expressing regret to both the team and the club’s supporters.
The ban will have a significant impact on Real Madrid’s attacking options. With Vinicius out, the club will need to rely on other forwards to maintain pressure on Barcelona’s defense in the upcoming El Clásico. Meanwhile, the winger’s absence will also affect Real Madrid’s campaign against the other top‑flight teams in the coming weeks. The club’s management and coaching staff will need to adjust tactics and squad selection to compensate for the loss of their prolific forward.