Real Madrid’s narrow 1-0 win over Villarreal on Saturday night was overshadowed by anger at the officials, a red card for Vinicius Junior and José Mourinho’s decision not to face the media afterwards.
Vinicius dismissal sparks Bernabéu fury
The decisive flashpoint came in the 73rd minute, when Vinicius was sent off for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair. The decision drew an immediate and furious response from Madrid’s players, coaching staff and supporters.
It was another uncomfortable evening in which the result did not dominate the conversation. Real had laboured to victory over Villarreal, but the disciplinary incidents and the club’s objections to refereeing decisions became the central story.
- Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 on Saturday night.
- Vinicius was dismissed in the 73rd minute after an incident involving Nathan Saliba.
- Mourinho received a booking four minutes earlier, in the 69th minute.
- Five Real Madrid players were also shown yellow cards.
Mourinho avoids post-match press conference
Mourinho spent much of the match challenging the referee’s calls and was visibly enraged by the handling of the game. Rather than risk a further confrontation after the final whistle, the Portuguese coach declined to attend his post-match press conference.
The club confirmed that Mourinho would not speak to journalists. It is understood to be the first time this season that he has skipped a post-match media appearance as Real Madrid coach.
The episode recalled the combative Mourinho seen during his first Madrid spell between 2010 and 2013. He had previously refused a pre-match press conference during the final season of that earlier period at the club.
Long-running dispute with Spanish officials
Madrid’s reaction fits into a wider, long-standing conflict between the club and Spanish refereeing. For several seasons, Real have repeatedly criticised match officials, including through programming on Real Madrid TV.
Saturday’s events are likely to deepen the sense of grievance around the club after another match in which the officiating, rather than a hard-earned league victory, became the loudest issue of the night.
