Vinicius Jr Handed Four-Match Ban After Real Madrid’s Roma Comeback

Real Madrid completed a remarkable 3-1 comeback win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico after Jose Mourinho’s double substitution transformed the contest, but Vinicius Junior will miss the upcoming El Clasico after receiving a four-match La Liga ban.

Madrid turn Roma deficit into late victory

Madrid were 3-1 down in Rome and struggling to find a response when Mourinho made his move shortly before the hour. Vinicius, who had given the ball away in the build-up to Roma’s second goal, was withdrawn alongside a team-mate as Endrick and Arda Guler were introduced.

The changes quickly shifted the momentum. Endrick scored during a seven-minute fightback, while fellow substitute Carlos Espi also found the net to bring Madrid level.

Antonio Rudiger then sealed the recovery in the 90th minute, heading in the winner to secure all three points for the Spanish side.

Vinicius accepts decision despite frustration

Vinicius admitted he was unhappy to leave the pitch early, although he accepted that the substitutions had delivered the result Madrid needed.

The 26-year-old said it was normal to feel frustrated when substituted because he wants to play every minute, contribute to the team and perform at his highest level. However, he conceded that the changes had altered the match.

• Endrick scored after coming off the bench and was praised for changing the flow of the game.
• Carlos Espi made another important impact despite receiving limited minutes.
• Rudiger’s stoppage-time header completed Madrid’s turnaround.

Vinicius described Endrick as Madrid’s outstanding player after the interval and credited both young attackers for helping the side through a difficult night.

Mourinho: No issue after final whistle

Mourinho defended Vinicius after the winger’s costly error, saying the loss of possession was a mistake that should not have happened but insisting that errors are part of football.

The Madrid manager said it was particularly unfortunate because Vinicius had been improving and beginning to regain confidence. Mourinho also made clear that the player’s reaction did not create a dressing-room problem.

He said Vinicius had every reason to be disappointed at being taken off, but added that the Brazilian was pleased with the victory once the match had ended.

Four-match ban rules winger out of Barcelona clash

Madrid must now prepare for a major domestic test without Vinicius. The forward was handed a four-game La Liga suspension only hours before the trip to Rome, a sanction that excludes him from the next El Clasico against Barcelona.

Vinicius also addressed the whistles he has received from sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd. He said supporters are entitled to voice their views after paying for tickets, but argued that the team performs better when the stadium backs its players, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.

The Brazil international believes he is targeted more easily because of his status as one of the longer-serving players and a captain. He said he would rather carry that criticism himself than see Madrid’s younger players singled out.

Vinicius vowed to return to his best form after scoring 129 goals in 385 appearances for Madrid since joining the club as a teenager, while Mourinho now has Endrick, Guler and Espi pushing for greater responsibility during the winger’s enforced absence.