Real Madrid’s El Clásico preparations face a potential setback as Vinícius Jr. awaits a disciplinary decision following his red card against Villarreal. The Brazilian winger was dismissed after a VAR review showed him pulling an opponent’s hair, and his subsequent protests could also affect the punishment. A suspension of two or more league matches would rule him out of the October 25 meeting with Barcelona at Camp Nou, although the length of the ban has not yet been confirmed.
The referee’s report has placed both the dismissal incident and Vinícius’s reaction under scrutiny. Contemporary reporting identifies Article 130 of the Spanish disciplinary code as relevant to the violent-conduct offence, with the applicable sanction depending on how the incident is classified. The committee could also consider an additional punishment for his protests, leaving a three-match suspension—and potentially a longer combined ban—among the reported possibilities. A decision is expected on Wednesday.
The stakes are significant for José Mourinho’s attacking plans. Real Madrid face Sevilla before travelling to Barcelona, meaning a two-match league suspension would already encompass El Clásico. Vinícius’s absence would require Madrid to adjust their attacking line-up for one of the most important fixtures of the domestic campaign, but the club must await the disciplinary ruling before his availability can be settled.
Beyond the immediate impact on El Clásico, the uncertainty complicates Madrid’s planning for their forthcoming league fixtures. A three-match suspension would also cover the subsequent meeting with Racing Santander. The distinction between the punishment for the hair-pulling incident and any additional sanction for his reaction will therefore be important in determining how long the winger remains unavailable.
For now, the focus remains on the committee’s assessment rather than a confirmed absence from Barcelona’s visit. Vinícius faces a genuine risk of missing the October 25 showdown, but the final punishment—and any subsequent challenge to it—will determine the extent of the disruption to Real Madrid’s plans.
