Vinícius red card threatens Real Madrid's Clásico hopes as ban could reach three matches

Vinícius Júnior faces a ban of at least two La Liga matches after being shown a straight red card during Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Villarreal, with a suspension of three or more games a genuine concern that would cost him the October 25 Clásico at Barcelona.

The incident occurred in the 70th minute of a counterattack. Vinícius pulled Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba’s hair before the move ended with the Brazilian scoring; the referee reviewed the footage at the pitchside monitor, disallowed the goal, and dismissed the forward. AS describe the sending-off as clear-cut, noting the ball was not being contested at the moment of the pull. The referee’s report is also said to include details of Vinícius’s protests and the need for teammates to restrain him — factors that have heightened concern at the club that the sanction could extend beyond the minimum.

Real Madrid are reportedly planning to appeal, according to Sports Mole citing Marca, though AS present a more cautious picture from within the club. The Spanish outlet says Real Madrid sees little realistic chance of overturning the dismissal and is primarily focused on limiting the length of the ban rather than having the red card rescinded. The distinction matters: a VAR review can alter the on-pitch decision, as it did here, but the duration of any subsequent suspension is a separate disciplinary matter.

AS expect Vinícius to miss the La Liga fixture against Sevilla on October 18. A two-game ban would then also rule him out of the trip to Barcelona on October 25. He would remain available for Real Madrid’s Champions League visit to Roma on October 14, which falls before those league games. If the suspension reaches three or more matches, his availability for the away fixture at Racing Santander on November 1 would also be in doubt.

Real Madrid have expressed frustration at what they regard as inconsistency in how similar incidents involving opposing players have been handled. That grievance may inform the decision to appeal, but the club’s own assessment, as reported by AS, is that the case for overturning the red card is weak.

The disciplinary ruling has yet to be confirmed, and the formal status of any appeal remains unresolved. With the season’s first Clásico little more than two weeks away, the outcome of the process carries significant weight for both clubs.