The preparations of Real Madrid for the first El Clasico of the season have been severely hindered by the four-match La Liga ban imposed on Vinicius Junior by the Spanish Football Federation.
The Real Madrid forward will thus miss the eagerly awaited derby clash against El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou, which is scheduled to be played on October 25. Vinicius’s ban followed the red card he got shown in the 1-0 win over Villarreal, as he was found guilty of pulling the opponent’s hair off the ball and showed a strong protest when he received the dismissal.
The Real Madrid star faces his own making
For the Culers, who have been following Barceloan's biggest rival team from the opposite corner of the capital, it seems that it all was a kind of self-inflicted wound. Vinicius has never been the type of player who demonstrates excellent behavior on the pitch. However, even for him, it was a step too far to argue so aggressively with the referee over the red card shown to him.
The Spanish Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has split the ban between the two infractions: two matches for unsportsmanlike behavior and another two for aggressive words with the referee. As a result, Real Madrid will have to do without their dynamic left winger in the crucial matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia. It means that the return to action for Vinicius Junior will be at the earliest in late November, creating a severe problem for Los Blancos’ coach, Jose Mourinho.
The El Clasico match strategy changes
Considering the upcoming derby clash against Barcelona, it would seem that the absence of Vinicius in it will affect Real Madrid’s game plan at Spotify Camp Nou. Firstly, it will be much more challenging to beat Hansi Flick’s team in their stronghold. Secondly, without the dangerous left winger, there will be no “ambush” down the channel for the opposing defence. Undoubtedly, Kylian Mbappe remains a potent attacking option.
However, Barcelona's defence will not have to split so much attention to contain Real Madrid’s attack. In addition, the burden of scoring goals will fall even more on the shoulders of the midfielders, whose task will be to break through the solid highline of Barca. This is where the dynamism and power of Vinicius would have been useful to Madrid.
It is undoubtedly expected that Madrid will turn to the Spanish Football Federation with an official complaint about this ban, significantly shortening the ban for Vinicius Junior. Nevertheless, given the gravity of the offense, it is unlikely to be considered. Thus, Barcelona will prepare to face Real Madrid without their fearsome left winger, which will undoubtedly be a pleasant surprise for both Flick and his team.
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