‘Perhaps we were lucky today’ – Aurélien Tchouaméni reflects on referee’s decision not to send off Vinícius Jr.

Aurélien Tchouaméni (24) has admitted that Real Madrid were “perhaps lucky” not to have been down to 10 men after Vinícius Jr. (23) put his hands to the neck of RB Leipzig’s Willi Orbán (31).

Real Madrid were furious after they felt they were denied a late winner against Valencia last week. Jude Bellingham put the ball in the net, however, it did not stand, with the referee signalling full-time just seconds before. Furious, Bellingham was sent off for his protests and has now received a two-game ban. 

“Peut-être qu’aujourd’hui on a eu de la chance” 🗣

Aurélien Tchouaméni revient sur le geste de Vinicius Junior qui aurait pu (dû ? 👀) coûter un carton rouge au Real Madrid 💬#RMARBL | #UCL pic.twitter.com/95kjMC7vqn

— CANAL+ Foot (@CanalplusFoot) March 6, 2024

However, they perhaps can consider themselves favoured by refereeing decisions against RB Leipzig on Wednesday. In the 53rd minute, Vinícius Jr raised both of his hands to the neck of Orbán. The Brazilian received only a yellow card for the action and minutes later, he went on to score the opener. Whilst Leipzig netted a late equaliser on the night, they went out 2-1 on aggregate. 

Tchouaméni has admitted that Real Madrid were perhaps lucky on the night. “Last week, we weren’t favoured by the refereeing. Perhaps we were lucky today so that is good for us,” reacted the Real Madrid midfielder in a post-match interview with Canal Plus.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle