NEW DELHI:
Vinicius Jr
scored two goals to help
Real Madrid
stage a comeback and secure a 2-2 draw against
Valencia
in an intense LaLiga clash on Saturday.
The Brazilian winger returned to the Mestalla stadium, where he was subjected to racial abuse last year. Throughout the match,
Vinicius
defiantly stared at the crowd, who jeered and whistled at him.
Real Madrid initially dominated the game, but Valencia seized control after winning the ball back in midfield and launching a swift counter-attack.
Hugo Duro's header in the 27th minute gave Valencia the lead. Three minutes later, a mistake from Real defender Dani Carvajal allowed Roman Yaremchuk to extend Valencia's lead with a clinical finish.
Just before half-time, Vinicius reduced the deficit with a close-range goal, converting a low cross from Carvajal. He celebrated by raising his fist in the air in front of the Valencia supporters.
In the second half, Real Madrid gradually took control of the game, with Vinicius and England midfielder Jude
Bellingham
posing threats in the attack.
Both players had excellent opportunities before Vinicius equalized in the 76th minute with a powerful header from a cross by substitute Brahim Diaz. The Brazilian winger celebrated by placing his hands behind his ears.
In stoppage time, Valencia thought they had been awarded a penalty, but the referee reversed his decision after a VAR review showed no foul by Real defender Fran Garcia on Duro.
Bellingham thought he had scored the winning goal with a close-range header, but the referee blew the full-time whistle just before
Luka Modric
crossed the ball. A frustrated Bellingham confronted the referee and was shown a straight red card.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham is shown a red card by referee Jesus Gil Manzano after the match. (Reuters Photo)
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed his dissatisfaction with the referee's decision to end the game abruptly, stating, "Something unprecedented has happened. We’re not happy with Bellingham's red card. He just told the referee "it’s a goal'. He didn’t insult the ref."
With the draw, Real Madrid now have 66 points in the standings, maintaining their seven-point lead over second-placed Girona, who have a game in hand against Mallorca on Sunday. Barcelona sit in third place with 57 points, while Valencia are currently ninth with 37 points.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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