Mourinho skips media duties after Real Madrid’s Villarreal win
Jose Mourinho did not attend his mandatory post-match press conference after Real Madrid’s 1-0 win over Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu, with league officials informing reporters of his absence more than 40 minutes after full-time.
What we know
- Mourinho left without explaining the decision publicly. He said he would not comment because he wanted to remain available for Madrid’s forthcoming matches against Sevilla and Barcelona.
- The flashpoint came in the 72nd minute. Vinicius Junior had a goal ruled out after a VAR intervention, before being sent off for pulling Villarreal defender Nathan Saliba’s hair.
- Vinicius’ dismissal forced Madrid to play the final 20 minutes with 10 men and leaves the forward facing a suspension.
- Yan Diomande scored the only goal shortly after the hour. His low finish into the far corner, his first for the club, was initially disallowed for offside before VAR awarded it.
- Thibaut Courtois made important saves against Pape Gueye and Alberto Moleiro as Villarreal pressed for an equaliser.
- Four Madrid players were booked late on during a tense finish. The result moves Mourinho’s side closer to the La Liga leaders.
What happens next
Madrid must now prepare for Sevilla and Barcelona without clarity over the length of Vinicius’ ban. Mourinho also faces scrutiny over his decision to skip media duties after a night dominated by anger at the officiating and VAR calls.
