For yet another game, Vinicius Junior was brought into spotlight and this is something that worries Real Madrid. In the last two games against Rayo Vallecano and Cadiz, rivals focused all their efforts on stopping the Brazilian forward with fouls.
No other player was provoked more than Vinicius, as Rayo Vallecano right-back Ivan Balliu confessed on Radio MARCA after his team’s 3-2 victory over Los Blancos.
Against Cadiz, he received the first foul on the verge of a yellow card 43 seconds into the game and ended up confronting Fali for a challenge on his teammate Rodrygo that went unpunished.
Real Madrid continue to stand by Vinicius. They did so when criticism and disrespect was constant for his poor form in the past. It was the player who took it upon himself to silence the critics, but now he is being blamed for his behavior on the pitch.
Concern at the club
There is concern at Real Madrid because they believe that Vinicius should be protected more. Despite Carlo Ancelotti criticizing the fact that there have already been 55 red cards in LaLiga this season – compared to the 10 shown in the Premier League – they can’t understand how Fali‘s challenge wasn’t even a foul.
“[Vinicius] is handling what is happening very well,” Ancelotti said.
“The last few games he’s been hit many times and he’s had good self-control.”
Asking for protection
Ancelotti is aware that each player has a different character and that is difficult to change. He has worked with him on how to focus on games and not fall into traps, but he believes that the player suffers in a unique way and that he must be protected.
The fact that the Brazil international has more of the ball and does not shy away from taking on opponents does not justify the way he is being treated on the pitch.
Meanwhile, the club also believe that Vinicius is the victim of violent play and that the rules should protect all players, not just the Brazilian.
