Real Madrid winger Vinícius Jr will miss Sunday’s La Liga trip to Valencia after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in the 83rd minute against Rayo Vallecano.
The booking followed a minor altercation with Rayo’s Ilias Akhomach, where Vinícius gave the substitute a slight push as he prepared to enter the pitch. Referee Díaz de Mera deemed the action worthy of a caution. Referee analyst Iturralde González later described the decision as fair, stating players must avoid physical contact in such situations.
Vinícius had opened the scoring earlier in the match with a brilliant solo effort. His absence will force manager Álvaro Arbeloa to reconfigure his attack as Madrid look to maintain their title challenge.