Vinicius Junior won't play for Real Madrid again until mid-April after an act of petulance went punished in Saturday's victory over Osasuna.
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Vinicius stars against OsasunaBut act of petulance spoils displayWon't play for Madrid until AprilGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian stepped up in the absence of Jude Bellingham, scoring two in a fine 4-2 win over their La Liga opponents. But as is often the case with Vinicius, drama was never too far away, with a petulant act late in the first half punished by referee Juan Martinez Munuera. The winger could be seen remonstrating with the official, gesticulating and laughing ironically at a decision made against him. Unsurprisingly, that reaction was met with a yellow card.
AdvertisementTHE EXPLANATION
That was Vinicius' fifth booking in La Liga this season, meaning he now must complete a one-match suspension. Due to the upcoming international break, which sees Brazil take on England and Spain in a pair of friendlies, Madrid's next league match isn't until March 31 at home to Athletic Club. Vinicius will miss that matchup due to his ban, meaning he won't play for Madrid until their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Manchester City – 24 days after picking up the yellow card.
Incidentally, a break in La Liga action on April 6-7 for the Copa del Rey final means the Brazilian won't play another league match for Madrid until their fixture against Mallorca on April 13, some 28 days later.
Getty Images THE BIGGER PICTURE
Curiously, four of Vinicius' last five yellow cards have come in each of his last four league outings, against Valencia, Leipzig, Celta and, now, Osasuna. Saturday's booking was certainly avoidable and puts a dampener on what was otherwise a scintillating performance from the 23-year-old. His two goals against Osasuna takes his league tally to 12 in 20 matches, to go alongside five assists.
WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?
International football awaits in the immediate future, which Real Madrid will hope allows him to maintain match sharpness before an extended period on the sidelines. Brazil's fixture against England takes place next Saturday, with the friendly against Spain going ahead on March 26.