Ancelotti ahead of Spanish Super Cup semis: “Two-match ban for Vinicius is not correct”

January 9, 2025

As Real Madrid gears up for the Spanish Super Cup semifinals against Mallorca, head coach Carlo Ancelotti finds himself in the spotlight, not just for the upcoming match but also for his strong opinions on the recent two-match ban handed to Vinicius Jr.

Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian winger, was handed a two-match suspension following his red card in Real Madrid’s recent La Liga match against Valencia. The incident involved a confrontation with Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, where Vinicius was sent off for pushing the goalkeeper in the back of the neck. This ban means Vinicius will miss upcoming league games against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid, but he remains eligible to play in the Spanish Super Cup.

Ancelotti has been vocal about his disagreement with the decision, calling it “unfair” and “not right”. During a press conference ahead of the semifinal clash, Ancelotti emphasized that both he and Vinicius hear the insults and provocations directed at the player on the pitch. He expressed frustration over the constant scrutiny Vinicius faces and defended his player, stating, “We are delighted with Vinicius in all ways”.

Despite the controversy, Ancelotti remains focused on the task at hand – securing a spot in the final of the Spanish Super Cup. Real Madrid will face Mallorca at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and Ancelotti is confident in his team’s ability to deliver a strong performance. He acknowledged the challenge of playing without Vinicius but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and readiness.

The Spanish Super Cup holds special significance for Real Madrid, having won the competition in 2022 and 2024. Ancelotti highlighted the importance of the tournament and the motivation it brings for the rest of the season. With the semifinal set to be a competitive match, Ancelotti is determined to see his team through to the final.

As Real Madrid prepares for the clash against Mallorca, all eyes will be on Ancelotti and his squad, not just for their performance on the pitch but also for their stance on the issues off it. The outcome of this match and Ancelotti’s continued advocacy for Vinicius Jr. will undoubtedly be key talking points in the days to come.