WATCH: Paulista sent off for horrific kick on Vinicius Junior moments after Real Madrid star scored
- Gabriel kicks out
- Shown straight red card
- Brazilian had earlier scored
WHAT HAPPENED? Valencia were reduced to 10 men against Real Madrid at Mestalla on Thursday when Gabriel Paulista saw red for a horrific kick at Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian had earlier made it 2-0 to Real Madrid after Marco Asensio had opened the scoring.
𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗮𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮 🟥
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) February 2, 2023
The former Arsenal defender kicks out at Vinicius Jr like a mad man and is sent off!#RealMadridValencia #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/XwZ1yYeo0V
STRAIGHT RED FOR PAULISTA ON THIS KICK 😬 pic.twitter.com/lmYK3GrbM1
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 2, 2023
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Vinicius Junior, wearing blackout boots, was unhurt after the kick but reacted furiously, jumping up and shoving Gabriel in the chest.
The Brazilian's goal had earlier made it 2-0 to Real Madrid. The strike was his 50th goal for the club on his 200th appearance.
WHAT NEXT? Real Madrid return to action on Sunday in La Liga against Real Mallorca.