Real Madrid will be without Vinícius Júnior for the final game of 2024 against Sevilla.

Despite a tumultuous first half of the 2024-25 La Liga season, Real Madrid could go into the holiday break with 40 points and a game to play provided they secure a win against Sevilla. The game comes just four days after Los Blancos won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior.

Both Mbappé and Rodrygo will have added pressure to produce a similar performance this weekend as Vinícius Júnior will not represent Real Madrid in the La Liga clash. The Brazilian is serving a one-match ban for accumulating yellow cards.

Vinícius Júnior received his fifth yellow card of the La Liga season in Real Madrid’s 3-3 draw against Rayo Vallecano on December 14th. The 24-year-old was booked for inconsistency in the 74th minute after arguing with referee Martínez Munuera.

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The suspension is a huge blow to the Real Madrid team, which has managed just two wins in the four games Vinícius Júnior missed this season due to injury. The winger leads the team with 14 goals in all competitions and is Carlo Ancelotti’s best player in almost every game he plays.

Vinícius Júnior has had a turbulent week in Qatar. The 24-year-old won the FIFA Men’s Best Player award on Tuesday before taking home the Golden Ball and Player of the Tournament award in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final the following day.

Without Vinícius Júnior, the Italian coach could prioritize Brahim Díaz on the right wing or opt for a 4-4-2 with Dani Ceballos or Arda Güler in the starting XI. Whatever lineup Ancelotti chooses, there will be a big hole in attack in the form of Vinícius Júnior that no one can really fill.

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