Real Madrid News
Vinicius Jr’s red card against Valencia annulled by RFEF ahead of Rayo Vallecano clash
A referee is supposed to be the purest institution in any sport, let alone football. After all, an individual can be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing and managing a hard-fought game only if he is completely unbiased.
It is not difficult to see why the recent incident in the game between Real Madrid and Valencia caused such an uproar.
Close to 24 hours after the game, the RFEF fired six referees, including the VAR head on the night, for sending ‘biased’ images of the fight between Vinicius Jr and Hugo Duro. Considering the evidence presented to him, the on-field referee decided to give Vini his marching orders while Duro walked with no repercussions.
As of Tuesday night, the Competition Committee declared Vinicius’ red card on the night null and void and annulled any suspension it brought with it. The unprecedented decision came after a long discussion and meeting between the authorities involved. As revealed by MARCA, the official report reads,
“There is an extraordinary, serious and totally unusual circumstance, which determines in our opinion that the decision adopted by the Collegiate reflected in the Act examined here incurs an arbitrary patent.”
“Since it is adopted on an altered and partial factual basis, it is determined that it incurs a manifest lack of validity to base a sanction on it.”
This comes as a relief to Real Madrid who were given the shocking news that Vinicius might have played his last game for the season after the clash against Valencia. A ban of at least three games was expected for the Brazilian, but he will now face no sanction.
The winger can return to the squad as early as tonight’s clash against Rayo Vallecano and can be fielded as a starting option. However, the club have made no official communication regarding his incorporation into the squad yet and the decision will presumably lie with the player himself.
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.
