Yan Diomandé’s goal secured a narrow 1-0 win for Real Madrid against Villarreal, leaving them six points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona, despite Vinícius Júnior being dismissed for pulling an opponent’s hair.
Vinícius came off the bench and found the net, but the goal was ruled out before a VAR review showed him tugging Nathan Saliba’s hair, resulting in a red card.
José Mourinho’s team played out the closing stages with 10 men and held firm to claim the victory, temporarily moving into third place. However, Vinícius could now face a suspension that may rule him out of El Clásico on 25 October.
“I don’t understand what is happening with the referees or why that red card was given,” said Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni. “However, securing the win is what matters most.”
Kylian Mbappé recovered from the knee issue he sustained while representing France during the international break and was named in Madrid’s starting lineup. Some supporters greeted the star forward with whistles amid concerns about his recent professionalism, while others applauded him.
Mbappé, among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or later this month, provided Madrid’s main attacking threat during an otherwise quiet first half.
Mourinho left the out-of-form Vinícius among the substitutes after the winger travelled to Australia and India with Brazil during the international break.
Madrid looked more secure defensively and allowed Villarreal few meaningful opportunities, but they also found it difficult to create chances during an uneventful opening period.
Mbappé hit the post after receiving Álvaro Carreras’s pass as Madrid applied early pressure. Villarreal gradually settled into the contest and limited the home side’s openings until Mbappé forced Peter Gulacsi into an impressive save.
Madrid’s supporters expressed mild frustration at half-time, but they soon celebrated Diomandé’s first goal since joining the club. The Ivorian winger, Madrid’s record signing, collected Federico Valverde’s well-placed pass and drove a precise low shot into the far corner.
Vinícius appeared to extend Madrid’s advantage after Jude Bellingham surged down the left and pulled the ball back into his path. The goal was overturned, however, when VAR directed referee Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos to review Vinícius’s hair pull on Saliba during the buildup. The Brazilian was subsequently sent off.
Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who had already made several strong saves after the interval, then produced an athletic stop to deny Carlos Romero.
Gulacsi prevented Mbappé from scoring once again, leaving the forward frustrated at the Bernabéu. Madrid nevertheless collected three valuable points and remained within reach of Barcelona.
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