Diomande Goal Seals Real Madrid Win After Vinicius Red Card

Real Madrid held on for a narrow victory despite Vinicius Junior’s 72nd-minute red card, with Yan Diomande’s earlier finish proving decisive in a tempestuous match that ended amid protests, late pressure and a string of bookings.

Diomande goal gives Madrid the edge

Diomande struck nine minutes before Vinicius was dismissed, supplying the clinical goal that ultimately separated the teams. Madrid appeared to have doubled their advantage after the sending-off, but a second home goal was ruled out, abruptly ending Jose Mourinho’s celebrations on the touchline.

The contest changed sharply in the 72nd minute when Vinicius received a straight red card for pulling Nathan Saliba’s hair. Madrid were therefore required to negotiate the closing stages with 10 players.

• Yan Diomande scored the winning goal in the 63rd minute.
• Vinicius was sent off nine minutes later for the incident involving Nathan Saliba.
• A further Madrid goal was subsequently disallowed.
• Madrid survived sustained late pressure to take all three points.

Cucurella confronts assistant referee

Marc Cucurella reacted angrily to the decision against Vinicius and went directly to assistant referee Francisco Garcia on the sideline. The left-back repeatedly pointed as he argued that the punishment had been excessive.

Television footage showed Cucurella demanding consistency from the officials, saying that anyone who touched “even one hair” on him should also be dismissed, before urging Garcia to consult VAR.

Bernardo Silva and club delegate Chendo intervened to pull Cucurella away before the confrontation escalated further.

Courtois saves preserve the result

With the extra man, the visitors committed more bodies forward and kept Madrid under pressure for much of the final period. Thibaut Courtois made important stops to deny both Carlos Romero and Gerard Moreno as the home side defended their slender lead.

Madrid’s resistance, combined with Courtois’ late interventions, ensured Diomande’s goal remained enough in an increasingly fraught conclusion.

Roma trip follows before Sevilla visit

Madrid now switch attention to the Champions League, travelling to Roma on Wednesday, October 14. Mourinho’s side will then return to the Santiago Bernabeu to face Sevilla on Sunday.

Vinicius’ absence in La Liga leaves Madrid facing a significant test of their attacking options during a demanding sequence of fixtures.