Real Madrid without Vinicius for almost a month

Real Madrid will be without Vinicius for the next 24 days - the best part of a month. The Brazilian was booked by Juan Martínez Munuera in the 44th minute of 6this afternoon’s victory at Osasuna for laughing at a decision made by the match official. It was his fifth yellow card in LaLiga this season, meaning that he completes a cycle and will complete one one-match suspension.

Vinicius on international duty

With the FIFA International break starting after this weekend’s games, it means that Vini will not be in action again with Real Madrid for a few weeks. He will be joining up with the Brazil squad for two friendlies: against England at Wembley on 23 March then Spain three days later - at least that match will be on familiar territory, the Bernabéu. Vinicius will serve his ban when domestic football returns, sitting out the league game at home to Athletic Club on 31 March (when Courtois and Militão are expected to make their long-awaited return).

By sheer coincidence, there will be no LaLiga games the following weekend as the focus will be on the Copa del Rey final between Athletic and Mallorca. Vini’s next commitment with Real Madrid will be the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals against Manchester City, at the Bernabéu on 9 April.

Mocking the ref

Vinicius has been booked in all of the last four games - against Valencia, Leipzig, Celta and Osasuna. Earlier in the campaign, he went into the book in the 1-1 draw at Sevilla in Week 10 and the 0-0 draw against Rayo a fortnight later. After Jude Bellingham, he becomes the second player that Carlo Ancelotti has lost to suspension during the current campaign. This afternoon at El Sadar, referee Martínez Munuera caught Vini mocking one of his decisions when the player was just a metre away from him - he even pointed at the match official before turning away and sarcastically clapping. Actions that are bound to increase debate among madridistas about his comportment on-field. Martínez Munuera had no hesitation in showing him a yellow card.

No quedó ahí. Cuando el árbitro señaló el descanso, Vinicius encaró el túnel de vestuarios y, mirando a la cámara, dijo: “¡En todos los partidos el árbitro saca tarjeta para mí. ¡En todos los partidos!”. Negando con la cabeza. Sin entender que le mostrasen esa cartulina. En cualquier caso, esta cartulina no tiene apelación alguna y Vinicius estará 24 días sin jugar un partido con el Real Madrid. Casi un mes en el dique seco.

Both Vinicius and Aurélien Tchouaméni went into the Osasuna game just one booking away from suspension. The French player however, avoided upsetting the ref and lives to fight another day. The victory leaves Real Madrid on 72 points at the top of the general table with nearest rivals Girona at 10 points’ distance ahead of their trip to Getafe later this evening.