"Convinced that it wasn't a red" - Carlo Ancelotti insists Vinicius Jr shouldn't have been sent off in Real Madrid vs Valencia clash

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes that Vinicius Junior did not deserve a red card in his side's win 2-1 over Valencia on Friday (January 3). The Brazil international was penalized in the 79th minute for pushing opposition goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the head.

A committee has now been set up to deliberate on the length of the attacker's suspension. Hoping that Vinicius escapes with minimal punishment, Ancelotti shared his thoughts on the straight red card in the first place.

Speaking to reporters after the aforementioned match, the Italian tactician said (via GOAL):

"We continue to be convinced that it wasn’t red, it was yellow. We hope he that he isn’t suspended for many games. I’m not in his shoes, but it can’t be easy to put up with everything that happens, the insults… But he tries to improve, I think he has improved. He is obviously sad about the red, he apologised, but we have to look forward."

"What happens in the stadiums… I think he has improved his attitude a lot. You can continue to improve, but no one is perfect. He has improved so much that he is the best player in the world."

Missing the winger even for a short while could be crucial to Real Madrid's title hopes this season. At the moment, they're placed at the top of the La Liga standings, two points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand.

Vinicius has made 21 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos this season, bagging 13 goals and nine assists.

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Vinicius Junior predicted Real Madrid's comeback win against Valencia

Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid winger Vincius Junior seemingly predicted that his side would come back from a goal down to beat Valencia. When the Brazilian was sent off, Carlo Ancelotti's team were trailing, just as they did at the break.

However, they dramatically scored in the 85th minute and once more in stoppage time to turn the game around. Movistar's cameras have seemingly captured Vinicius rallying his teammates at half-time, saying (via GOAL):

"Of course, when they blow the whistle for fouls. We score a goal and they sh*t themselves. Just a little bit more, a little bit more and that's it."

Up next for the league holders is a Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash against Deportiva Minera away from home on Monday (January 6). Vinicius is set to be available for this tie, with reports suggesting that the decision on the player's length of suspension might only come on Tuesday.