Sat Jan 04 01:53:25 UTC 2025: ## Real Madrid Edges Valencia Despite Vinicius Jr. Red Card; Ancelotti Defends Winger
**Madrid, Spain** – Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Valencia in La Liga on Friday, but the match was overshadowed by a controversial red card for Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. Despite trailing at halftime thanks to a Hugo Duro goal, Real Madrid rallied in the second half. Luka Modric equalized in the 85th minute, before Jude Bellingham, who had earlier missed a penalty, scored a dramatic injury-time winner.
Vinicius Jr.’s dismissal, however, dominated post-match discussion. The winger was sent off for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Manager Carlo Ancelotti defended his player, stating that the incident warranted two yellow cards, not a straight red, and that the club would be appealing the decision. “It was a touch before the goalkeeper and then a push. I think that with two yellows it was enough,” Ancelotti explained.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Ancelotti praised his team’s second-half performance, describing it as “tremendously good.” He contrasted this with a first-half display he deemed “tremendously bad.” He also acknowledged the team’s penalty woes this season, stating that he takes responsibility for choosing penalty takers. Bellingham’s late goal, however, was highlighted as a testament to his resilience after missing an earlier penalty.
The victory moves Real Madrid two points clear of Atlético Madrid at the top of La Liga and five points ahead of Barcelona.
First Piper 