Real Madrid’s Narrow Win Overshadowed by Tension Between Modric and Vinicius
In a tense Copa del Rey match on Wednesday, Real Madrid managed to squeeze past CD Leganes with a 3-2 win.
However, the match wasn’t all about the action on the field.
The game took a backseat to an on-pitch disagreement between teammates Luka Modric and Vinicius Jr.
Modric’s Frustration Takes the Spotlight
Luka Modric, the seasoned 39-year-old midfielder, was seen visibly frustrated with Vinicius Jr during the final moments of the match.
As Real Madrid defended in the closing minutes, Modric was caught on camera gesturing angrily at the Brazilian star.
Fans quickly took notice, fueling speculation that there might be tension brewing within the squad.
The match itself was a nail-biter, with Real Madrid clinching the win thanks to a last-minute goal from substitute Gonzalo Garcia.
However, the game’s intense moments were overshadowed by the on-field spat between the two players.
This incident came at a critical time, as Real Madrid prepares for a tough week ahead, with high-stakes matches against Atletico Madrid and Manchester City looming.
The Disagreement: What Happened?
Footage from the match shows Modric furiously waving his arms at Vinicius as the team scrambled to organize defensively in the dying minutes.
According to reports from Marca, the altercation stemmed from Modric asking Vinicius to track back and help out defensively after a counterattack from Leganes.
Vinicius reportedly didn’t take kindly to this request, which led to the heated exchange between the two.
Fans expressed concern that this could signal deeper issues within the team.
Some even criticized Vinicius for his response, pointing out that Modric’s leadership and experience were being ignored.
Modric and Ancelotti Address the Incident
After the game, Modric played down the incident, calling it just part of the game.
He brushed it off, stating, “It’s football… You see everything you shouldn’t see.
” His comments seemed to suggest that no lasting rift existed between him and Vinicius.
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was asked about the situation during his post-match press conference.
He seemed to side with Modric, saying, “Modric was angry with Vinicius? I don’t know what happened, but if Modric said something, then it’s correct.
Always agree with Luka Modric.
” His response hinted at his support for Modric’s leadership role within the team.
A Recent Pattern of Tension
This on-field clash wasn’t the first sign of tension involving Vinicius Jr. Just days before, reports emerged of a disagreement between Vinicius and Dani Ceballos after Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Espanyol.
It’s said that Vinicius was frustrated by Ceballos’s lack of passing to him during the match, leading to a verbal clash between the two players.
In an effort to smooth things over, Ancelotti reportedly urged his squad to pass the ball more frequently to Vinicius ahead of the Leganes match.
The manager has also openly acknowledged that the team is facing an “emergency” situation with key players injured ahead of their crucial fixtures against Atletico and Manchester City.
Injury Crisis: Real Madrid in a Tough Spot
Ancelotti’s concerns extend beyond internal team dynamics.
With key defenders like Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Eder Militao all sidelined with injuries, Real Madrid’s defensive options are looking thin. The only available options for center-back are younger players like Jacobo Ramon and Raul Asencio, who will likely be thrust into the spotlight in the upcoming matches.
Ramon, 20, has already appeared in the Champions League but has yet to play in La Liga, while Asencio has more experience with 10 La Liga appearances.
Ancelotti’s defensive headache could be a significant challenge as Real Madrid heads into a critical stretch of their season.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
With a tough road ahead, including matchups against Atletico Madrid in La Liga and Manchester City in the Champions League, Real Madrid needs to rally together and overcome these internal and injury-related issues.
Only time will tell how they’ll handle the pressure and if the team’s unity can be restored before their crucial upcoming matches.
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