Just two minutes after Real Madrid went ahead against Espanyol in the first half. A challenge by Vinicius on Granero caused the anger of the Espanyol players as they wanted a second yellow for the Brazilian. Replays suggested the challenge was accidental and no card was given.
Vinicius, with the permission of Varane, was the stand out name in the first 45 minutes of the clash at the Bernabeu. The young attacker was sharp, he ended up shooting three times on target left some signs of class. However, he was also involved in a controversial incident.
His game could have ended prematurely. After 17 minutes, the ex-Flamengo man was cautioned for bringing down Diego Lopez. The pass to himself was overhit and he took out the Espanyol keeper.
In the second incident, Vinicius went to close down Granero, but he slipped. The result: an accidental challenge on the Espanyol man which saw Granero go flying.
There was no intention even though it was quite eyecatching. Was it enough to earn a second yellow? Jaime Latre said no, despite the constant Espanyol protests.
That was not all because in the final play of the first half, Calleri claimed a penalty for a foul by Carvajal and then he claimed the Real man should have been dismissed for violent conduct after Calleri confronted him.