Real Madrid faced no major challenges in making it through to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, as a draw against the German outfit RB Leipzig in the second leg of their last-16 fixture at Santiago Bernabeu was enough for them to advance to the next round on Thursday.
It was Vinicius Jr whose goal ensured that they kept a narrow lead on the aggregate score of 2-1, after coming off a thrilling brace in his previous La Liga outing against Valencia. However, a contentious altercation with Leipzig players marked his moments of glory, which has drawn harsh criticism.
Real Madrid legend blasts Vinicius Jr’s disrespectful behavior
The Brazilian international has undoubtedly been among the best wingers in the world and has carved out a talismanic stature over the years for Los Blancos. His attacking excellence has made him a nuisance for the opposition’s defense, with him scoring 15 goals and providing 7 assists so far this season.
However, Vinicius Jr. has been at the center of several racial abuse incidents in La Liga. And most recently, his immature behavior has come under scrutiny. While speaking to Cadena SER, former Real Madrid striker Predrag Mijatovic slammed the Brazilian’s behavior, claiming it is ‘childish’ and ‘irritating’ to his teammates.
Mijatovic said, “Real Madrid’s shirt does not tolerate this type of behavior, perhaps another team’s does, maybe on another side you say OK, but not at Real Madrid. he has to find a way to calm down. If not he will never become a legendary player, regardless of the good he does in terms of his football.
He added, “You see his team-mates dragging him away, trying to calm him down, as if they were talking to a child. They also tell you [from within the club], without asking, that he has to change his attitude because irritates opponents and even his own team-mates.”
Willi Orban not happy about Vinicius Jr escaping red card
During the Champions League clash, Vinicius Jr., fortunately, managed to avoid being sent off with a red card following his reckless challenge, which involved shoving Leipzig captain Willi Orban from behind and then grabbing Orban’s neck with both hands during an on-field heated altercation at the Bernabeu.
“The referees don’t have the guts to put such players down. He grabs my neck with both hands. That’s disrespectful.” The Hungarian international, Willi Orban, commented.
This sentiment was echoed by several other RB Leipzig players who blasted the referees after the controversial decision from the match officials.
The 23-year-old Vinicius Jr. was only shown a yellow card, and after a VAR check, the decision to not escalate the punishment remained, igniting strong responses from the Red Bull players post-match.
