Big clash between Modric and Vinicius Junior at Leganès: What really happened (VIDEO)

Real Madrid narrowly escaped against Leganès in the Copa del Rey this Wednesday. In this risky match, Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior had a heated exchange towards the end of the game. While the images were not broadcast live on television, Cadena SER sheds light on the incident.

This one won’t please the Madrid fans. On Wednesday evening, away at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque, Carlo Ancelotti’s team struggled badly to win the Copa del Rey quarter-final clash. Severely weakened defensively due to the absences of David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger, and Lucas Vazquez—who had a last-minute issue before the match against Leganès—Real Madrid relied on young players Jacobo Ramon (who had a flavourless game) and Raul Asensio. In this match, where the contribution of everyone was needed, Vinicius made a negative impact.

What really happened?

Big clash between Modric and Vinicius Junior at Leganès: What really happened (VIDEO)

According to revelations from Marca and Cadena SER, it all started in the last five minutes before the end of regular time. As Leganès took possession of the ball and launched a counter-attack that ended with a corner, Luka Modrić turned to Vinícius and asked him to come back and support the team defensively. Coming on in the second half, the Brazilian winger did not appreciate this response and replied to his captain, who in turn raised his voice and publicly reprimanded him.

On the sidelines, Carlo Ancelotti immediately expressed his disapproval of Vinicius’ reaction and asked him to respect the veteran Madrid player, who will soon be 40, had scored first in the match, and continued to run to help the defence as the match entered stoppage time. According to Marca’s sources, Luka Modrić was repeatedly irritated by Vinícius for not cooperating with the team defensively.

Luka Modric finally snaps at Vini

Big clash between Modric and Vinicius Junior at Leganès: What really happened (VIDEO)

Twice, the Croatian captain asked Vini to come back, but the Brazilian ignored him. So, on the third occasion when Modrić spoke to him and asked the same thing, Vinícius responded with a gesture of open hands as if to say, “What do you want from me?”. Completely overwhelmed by the behaviour of one of the players who was supposed to be a leader of the Madrid team, the midfield stalwart shouted, “Go to hell,” as confirmed by Cadena SER.

After the final whistle, which saw Real Madrid win thanks to a crucial goal from the young Castilla captain Gonzalo Garcia in the 90+3′, Vinicius immediately left the pitch without celebrating with his teammates. While the scene was missed by live television viewers, supporters at the stadium saw everything. As he left the stadium, Modric was asked about the altercation with his young teammate. “What happened with Vini? These things happen in football, mate. You see everything you shouldn’t be seeing.”

Vinicius’ behaviour condemned by Ancelotti

Big clash between Modric and Vinicius Junior at Leganès: What really happened (VIDEO)

In his own press conference, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the incident. While Luka immediately tried to downplay the controversy, the Madrid coach agreed with him. “Modrić angry with Vinicius? I don’t know what happened, but if Luka said something, it’s because he was right. Always agree with Modrić,” said the 65-year-old coach. For Real Madrid, this situation is far from ideal with Vinicius Junior’s behaviour.

Already at the centre of criticism due to his excessive reactions on the pitch, which have earned him unnecessary sanctions, the 24-year-old Brazilian player risks alienating part of the team if he continues to behave like this with his senior teammates. Defending should be a duty for all Madrid players given the team’s current situation. Just like Federico Valverde or Aurélien Tchouaméni, attackers should, if necessary, not hesitate to help out defensively, as Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo did in their time.