Hugo Duro, a star for Valencia, has shared what he said to Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid during their furious altercation during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Mestalla.
There were plenty contentious times in the exciting match. The hosts led 2-0 at one point, but Vinicius Jr. helped Los Blancos mount a comeback. The score remained at 2-2 despite Jude Bellingham’s notable goal shortly after the full-time whistle blew, sparking more pandemonium and controversy.
Hugo Duro and Vinicius Jr.’s on-field drama was one of those occasions. The Valencia attacker has described what sparked the heated disagreement between the two players during the game.
He told Marca (via Daily Mail) that he had challenged Vinicius for his impolite goal celebrations.
“In the goal he put his hands over his ears towards the stands and I blamed him for it and he told me that I did the same thing. But it’s not the same that I do it at home and that he does it outside home. If I do it at the Bernabeu, they would get angry.”
Hugo Duro added:
“I think it’s a bit disrespectful. I only told him to dedicate himself to playing because to me he seems like a plane, he seems like a cucumber. I told him, ‘dedicate yourself to playing because if you do you would be much better than what you are.’ At a football level I only have words of praise because he is unstoppable, almost.”
Real Madrid were playing their first game at Mestalla since Vinicius Jr. was subjected to racial taunts by the home fans last season. However, the Brazilian forward was able to respond in fine fashion, racking up a brace and pulling the Madridistas to share the points.
With debate over Jude Bellingham’s red card, Carlo Ancelotti talks about Valencia’s 2-2 tie with Real Madrid.
The match between Valencia and Real Madrid ended in a confusing and frustrating manner due to a controversial incident, primarily for the visitors. Just minutes before Jude Bellingham headed a cross into the net, the referee sounded the full-time whistle, denying him a last-gasp winner.
The Madrid players violently objected to this decision, and Bellingham was dismissed for disobedience. Coach Carlo Ancelotti of Los Blancos centred his attention on Bellingham’s red card, informing the media that the player’s reaction was not intended to provoke the referee. He declared:
“His red bothers us. He has been transparent in confessing what he has said, approaching in a vehement manner, something normal after what happened and saying ‘it’s a f*cking goal.’ But he didn’t say any insults towards the referee. He was just frustrated. But he didn’t say an insult, not at all. Let’s see what they write.”
Real Madrid have consolidated their pole position on the La Liga table with the draw, but they will be concerned about Girona and Barcelona catching up.
