Real Madrid News
Valencia hit with partial stadium closure, €45,000 fine after racist attacks against Vinicius Jr
Sunday brought with it one of the most traumatising nights in Vincius Jr’s professional career. At the Mestalla Stadium with close to 50,000 fans in the stands, the youngster was subjected to repeated racial abuse as the game took an ugly turn.
While he had remained silent on occasions before, he did not hesitate to hit out at La Liga on social media this time around for their sheet negligence to the burning topic. Such was the profound effect of the incident on the Brazilian that rumours of his possible departure began doing the rounds.
Valencia CF promptly rushed into action and scanned the camera footage to identify the fans who triggered such nasty abuses. Having identified a good chunk of them, the administration have announced a lifetime ban for the individuals. However, the hosts on the night will also be forced to pay a hefty price for the actions of their supporters.
As revealed by Carrusel Deportivo, the Competition Committee has decided to hand Valencia both economic and sporting sanctions for Sunday’s incident.
For starters, the Mestalla will only be permitted to run at partial capacity for the next five games. The Mario Kempes stand, which was the stand from where the racist slur began, will be closed for the aforementioned period. Further, Los Che will be fined €45,000 for the antics of their fans.
The controversy on the night did not end with the story on the stands. Vinicius’ sending off in the penultimate minute after a VAR intervention only aggravated the situation and it later came to light that the VAR official sent biased images to the on-field referee to have the Brazilian dismissed.
It appears that the latest events will not push Vini Jr into a premature departure from the club. If appropriate action is not taken, however, the situation could change.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
