VINíCIUS JúNIOR BREAKS SILENCE FOLLOWING FIERY EL CLáSICO CONFRONTATION
Vinicius Jr's furious reaction to being subbed off marred Real Madrid's 2-1 El Clásico win over Barcelona. The Brazilian stormed down the tunnel before returning for a post-match brawl.
Vinícius Júnior breaks silence after explosive Clasico moment - REUTERS PHOTO
According to Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, his furious outburst following his second-half replacement and the altercation on the field that ended Sunday's Clásico in an ugly fashion were only two instances of what make Los Blancos' encounters with Barcelona so memorable.
Although Madrid supporters left the Santiago Bernabéu smiling after the team's thrilling 2-1 victory over Barcelona, there was some controversy surrounding the match. With 20 minutes remaining, Vinicius's outburst at manager Xabi Alonso's decision to pull him threatened to change the tide for Madrid.
Following an intense on-field outburst—some have even claimed that Vinicius threatened to quit Madrid entirely—the Brazilian was seen charging down the tunnel before skulking back to the bench.
Vinicius was in the front row of the fight that took place after the final whistle, having rejoined the fray. The Brazilian received a booking for his involvement in the altercation, which is believed to have been caused by comments from Lamine Yamal before the game.
In an interview with Real Madrid TV following the match, Vinicius recognised that the match was full of the kind of intense moments that make El Clásico possibly the most famous fixture in the world, but he did not address his feelings over the substitution.
"El Clásico is like that; there are a lot of things on and off the field," he stated.
"We make an effort to balance everything, but it is not always feasible. Neither the Barça players nor the supporters are the people we wish to offend. We are aware that we must contribute when we are out there, and today was no exception.
It is debatable exactly what Vinicius stated as he left the field. Numerous analyses of the video have revealed that Vinicius even went so far as to tell Alonso in an explicit tirade that he would prefer to quit the team than stay under his leadership. Importantly, at this stage, all of this is conjecture.
The stunning nature of Vinicius's response to the news, however, is beyond dispute. According to MARCA, he had to be reassured by Madrid goalie coach Lluis Llopis as he rushed straight down the tunnel and persuaded him to come back to the bench.
Alonso implied that there was no issue between the two and pledged to talk to Vinicius right after the game. Even though they are not impressed, Madrid officials are not overly alarmed by the incident, according to a different MARCA story.
According to an unidentified club source, "Vinicius can not put on that show." "Xabi may have been too quick to replace him, but he is the third captain and needs to lead by example."
Vinicius is not anticipated to face any consequences because Madrid views his reaction as another evidence of his desire to perform for the team and his love for important games like El Clásico.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.