Real Madrid’s 1-0 victory over Villarreal was overshadowed by Vinicius Jr.’s dismissal, with Marc Cucurella appearing to challenge the Spanish refereeing team over the decision after the match’s most controversial incident.
The Brazilian winger had a goal disallowed before receiving a straight red card for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair.
Referee Díaz de Mera initially missed the incident, but VAR intervened, prompting a review that resulted in Vinicius being sent off.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion, with the timing particularly damaging for Real Madrid as Vinicius now faces the prospect of missing the upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.
Vinicius red card: Real Madrid teammates intervene
Vinicius struggled to contain his frustration after the dismissal and approached Díaz de Mera to protest. His teammates quickly stepped in to prevent the confrontation from escalating.
Cucurella was not happy with Vinicius’ red card vs Villarreal. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The incident became one of the defining moments of the match, despite Real Madrid eventually securing all three points against Villarreal.
Understandably, the red card, rather than the result, has dominated the post-match discussion because of its potential consequences for the club’s next major fixture.
Cucurella warns referee after Vinicius Jr. sending-off
Vinicius was not the only player to express frustration with the officiating.
Rather, DAZN cameras captured Real Madrid’s Spanish defender Marc Cucurella delivering a pointed message to the match official following the incident.
Cucurella sent a direct message to the referee. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“I hope… I hope that if anyone so much as touches a hair on my head, you’ll give them a red card. You’re going to the VAR,” he told the referee.
Cucurella’s remark appeared to question whether the same standard would be applied if another player’s hair were pulled.
For now, the biggest concern for Madrid is what the dismissal means for El Clasico.
Vinicius, despite his troubling form this season, remains a key attacking figure, and any suspension would leave the team facing a major selection decision ahead of the meeting with Barcelona.