Real Madrid emerges from a tough encounter against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga. Despite having the opportunity to regain the upper hand over Barça, the team of Vinicius Junior and Carlo Ancelotti completely self-destructed.
Another puzzling result for Real Madrid this season. Away at Rayo Vallecano’s ground for the 17th matchday of the league, the Madrid side managed only a 3-3 draw. Superior on paper and on the pitch with the players available, the team completely faltered defensively at the start of the game, conceding two avoidable goals. After this match, Carlo Ancelotti’s choices have come under fire, and Vinicius Junior finds himself making headlines.
Vinicius suspended against Villarreal
Substituted in at the 63rd minute, the Brazilian winger wasted no time making his mark. Indeed, in one incident where he was pulled by the shirt by a Vallecano player, the 24-year-old star once again lost his composure and furiously lashed out at the match referee, Juan Martinez Munuera. Demanding a yellow card, which arguably should have been issued for the defender’s foul, Vinicius Junior failed to control his emotions. Already under threat of sanctions at the end of the year, he received only a yellow card on this occasion.
Caught out for this unacceptable behaviour, which has been criticised by several Madrid icons familiar with the football world, including Sami Khedira, Vinicius Junior will now miss his team’s final match of 2024 against Sevilla on 22nd December. With this yellow card, which could have been a red after he insulted the referee, Vinicius puts Real Madrid in a dire predicament as the year draws to a close.
While his talent is undeniable, Vinicius Junior still has work to do as his persistent protests during matches are proving to be a significant liability for his team. Notably, after the match, which could have swung in Madrid’s favour had a penalty been awarded for a foul on Vinicius in the 75th minute, Real Madrid lashed out at La Liga, blaming the referee entirely for the disappointing result.
Beware of the Sevilla trap
After a challenging start to the season, Sevilla has found its rhythm. On the brink of collapse during the early stages of the league, Real Madrid’s next opponent now sits in 10th place and will look to end 2024 on a high. Given that the Madrid side is still defensively fragile – as seen in the performances of the full-backs and the central pairing against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night – fingers will need to be crossed.
Without Vinicius Junior, Carlo Ancelotti will have to rely on Rodrygo Goes and Kylian Mbappé, who is expected to return from injury by then. The question remains whether these players will be able to lead the attack in what is shaping up to be an already thrilling 18th matchday clash.
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