Real Madrid found themselves at the top of La Liga after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Valencia on January 3, 2025, at Mestalla Stadium, but the match will be remembered for the controversial red card issued to Vinicius Junior.
The Brazilian forward, heralded as one of the game’s brightest stars, was sent off late in the second half during what became an evening filled with suspense and tension. Valencia, fighting to avoid relegation, initially took the lead with Hugo Duro's goal just before half-time, making it seem like Real Madrid was heading for disappointment.
After Duro’s 27th-minute strike, which capitalized on a mishap from Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Valencia held the advantage goinginto the break, shocking the visitors and leaving coach Carlo Ancelotti with much to ponder during the half-time interval.
The second half would prove eventful; Madrid came out determined to level the match. Jude Bellingham had the opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot, but his effort struck the post, maintaining Valencia's lead and putting more pressure on the visitors.
The turning point occurred with only ten minutes remaining. After a clash inside the penalty area with Valencia’s Stole Dimitrievski, Vinicius felt aggrieved by the referee’s non-call and reacted angrily. When Dimitrievski, who was already on yellow card warning, approached him, Vinicius struck the goalkeeper. Following the review of the incident via VAR by referee Cesar Soto Grado, Vinicius received a red card for his actions, leading to his first dismissal during his career in La Liga.
Eduardo Iturralde González, a former international referee, stated, "That’s a red card because he hit him in the face... the face is untouchable according to the rules," providing clarity on the decision made by the referee.
Upon receiving the red card, Vinicius' initial reaction was one of fury; he rushed toward the referee, requiring intervention from teammates Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Ceballos to escort him off the field amid heightened emotions.
Down to ten men and trailing 1-0, many would have counted Real Madrid out, but Ancelotti's men displayed remarkable resilience. Just three minutes after Vinicius' dismissal, Luka Modric, with only moments to make his impact, volleyed home the equalizer. Jude Bellingham set him up perfectly, and the stadium erupted as hopes were revived for Madrid.
The drama didn’t end there. With seconds left on the clock, Bellingham capitalized on a defensive miscommunication between Valencia's players. He seized on the loose ball, slipped it past Dimitrievski, and secured the triumphant winner for Real Madrid at the 90+5 minute mark.
The final whistle confirmed Real Madrid's comeback; they stood triumphant with their 2-1 victory, propelling them to the top of La Liga, two points clear of rivals Atlético Madrid.
Following the match, emotions still ran high for Vinicius. He took to X to express his remorse, saying, "Sorry, and thanks team!!!!!!" acknowledging the support of his teammates after the incident.
Adding to the sentiment, Ancelotti defended his player, stating, "We think it wasn't a red card, it was two yellows... It’s hard to explain how bad our first half was and how good the second half was. We can't show these two faces."
This game marks Vinicius' second career red card, with both occurring at Mestalla against Valencia, adding to the fiery narrative surrounding his career. Before this incident, he had maintained good disciplinary records across his playing days, making this event all the more surprising for fans and supporters alike. With the suspension potentially looming due to the severity of the incident—ranging from two to four games depending on the referee’s report—much rests on the outcome of this event for Vinicius' immediate future on the pitch.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid will relish the victory which not only demonstrates their ability to fight back under pressure but also puts them firmly at the top of the league, affirming their status as one of Spain's footballing giants.