This was even less the case for Vinicius Junior, criticized in Brazil for not having managed to reproduce his performance in Real Madrid with the national team. Vinicius narrowly missed the Ballon d'Or last year, and one of his rivals this time could be his teammate Raphinha. Two decisive players for two eternal rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, Raphinha was seen pushing Vinicius out of the field twice at the end of the match against Colombia.
However, Vinicius explained after the match that he was in fact helped by Raphinha. The Barcelona vice-captain was trying to avoid a yellow card. “It's always complicated in qualifying … There are only two boxes (for the suspension). If you make a fault, you already risk a suspension … and I could not miss the next match, “he said on Movistar+.
If Real Madrid supporters appreciated its warning, Brazil would certainly not have done it. Their next confrontation will see them move to Buenos Aires to face Argentina, leader in South American qualifying, with four points ahead of Seleçao. Everything ended well, Raphinha and Vinicius registering the decisive goals during the 2-1 victory against Colombia.
Vinicius is explained
Raphinha was also a warning near the suspension, but he also avoided the yellow card. The Barcelona supporters undoubtedly hoped for a suspension, but it seems that they will miss their next match against Osasuna, which will end in Buenos Aires only 42 hours before the kick -off in Montjuic.
