Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League quarter‑final against AS Roma were thrown into disarray on Wednesday when the Spanish football federation disclosed a four‑match domestic suspension for winger Vinicius Junior only two hours before kickoff. The timing, Mourinho argued, was “shameless” and amounted to an attempt to “kill a player” on the eve of a crucial European fixture.

The suspension stems from a red card Vinicius received in Real’s 1‑0 La Liga victory over Villarreal on Saturday, where the Brazilian was dismissed for pulling an opponent’s hair. The federation’s decision to publicise the ban at the eleventh hour left the club with no opportunity to adjust its tactical setup or field a replacement. Mourinho, visibly agitated, questioned the propriety of informing a player of a multi‑match ban mere hours before a match that also carries weight for Spanish football’s international standing.

Mourinho’s frustration was palpable during the post‑match press conference. “Two hours before the match, a player must know he has a four‑match suspension,” he said, adding, “A Spanish team that has earned three points for Spanish football, for the rankings, for the prestige of Spanish football. You want to kill a player two hours before the match? It doesn’t seem normal to me.” The manager also highlighted the practical consequences: Vinicius will miss the upcoming El Clásico against Barcelona, as well as league fixtures against Sevilla, Racing Santander and Valencia.

On the pitch, Vinicius’ impact was limited even before the ban was announced. He recorded just 22 touches, lost possession six times, registered no shots and delivered a single key pass before being substituted on the