Vini Jr scores twice, protests against racism and guarantees a draw for Real

Vinicius Junior was the protagonist at Mestalla this Saturday (2). In the reunion with the stadium where he suffered racism from fans in May last year, the Brazilian scored twice, protested against prejudice and made Real Madrid win a 2-2 draw with Valencia.

Valencia took a 2-0 lead with Hugo Duro and Yaremchuk in the first half. The goals were scored in the 26th and 29th minutes. Vini Jr scored before the break and guaranteed a draw in the final stage. He had already scored two goals in the last match between the teams, at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The Brazilian raised his fist after the first goal, in a gesture against racism. After being targeted by part of the opposing fans with racist insults eight months ago, the case was not repeated – although posters comparing him to Pinocchio were distributed before the match.

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The match also saw a serious injury to Diakhaby, which left the players shaken on the field. The home team player’s leg ended up turning after colliding with Tchouameni, and he left the pitch on a stretcher.

Real remains at the top of La Liga after the 27th round, with 66 points. Valencia are ninth, with 37.

How was the game

Valencia took advantage of gaps and built the lead in three minutes. The home team exploited mistakes in Real’s defense to lead 2-0 and leave their opponents stunned on the field.

Vini Jr got Real back into the game and commanded the reaction. The goal in stoppage time changed the dynamics of the second half, and Real came back pressing to snatch a draw. Valencia even had a penalty awarded in the final minutes, but the referee was called by VAR and reversed the decision.

The match ended with a refereeing controversy and a goal that didn’t count. Referee Jesús Gil Manzano ended the match while Real were still attacking, following a corner kick, and Bellingham found the net following the play. The visiting team’s players set out to contest the decision, as no extra additions were given after he stopped the game to go to VAR.

Goals

1×0: In the 26th minute of the first half, Foulquier sent the ball into the area, Fran Pérez headed the ball into the middle of the field and Hugo Duro headed it into the back of the net.

2×0: Shortly after, at 29′, Carvajal delivered after missing a pass in defense, Yaremchuk dribbled past Lunin and expanded.

2×1: At 50′, Carvajal redeemed himself: he advanced to the baseline on the right and crossed. The ball passed by Rodrygo, but found Vinícius Júnior on the other side, who saved and revived Real.

2×2: At 30′, Brahim Díaz received it from Modric on the right area, crossed and Vinícius Júnior appeared among the defenders to test and leave everything the same at Mestalla.