Rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is one of the hardest in football, a battle that extends beyond the club level and to national team camps. Yet under Brazil’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Colombia in Conmebol World Cup qualifiersAn unexpected moment saw two players from opposite sides of El Clasico –Raphinha and Vinicius junior—The factless add their club loyalties.
With Neymar already out due to injuryBrazil could not afford to lose another key player before his decisive match against Argentina. And it was Raphinha, a Barcelona star, who made sure it wouldn’t happen.
The match on Mane Garrincha Stadium In Brazil, it was crucial for both Brazil and Colombia, with both sides desperate after returning in winning ways after disappointing results in previous qualifiers. Brazil first struck when Vinicius got fouled in the boxwon an early penalty. Barca Ace, which shows calm under pressure, converted the spot-park in the sixth minute To give the harness.
Despite The home team’s early dominanceColombia refused to back down. Just before halftime, Luis Diaz shot a low shot in the lower cornerequalize the match and leave the home fans in frustration. With both teams looking for a winner during the second half, the game seemed intended for a draw. But deep into Stopping timein 99 minutesThe Real Madrid star struck outside the box. His shot took a happy decline and found the back of the netSend Brazil to a celebration mode.
Raphinha takes the matter in the hands after Vinicius’s controversial time out of time
With Brazil holds sticking to its narrow leadHead coach Dorival Junior decided to replace Vinicius junior in 100 minutes—A classic time -baked tactics to see the match. Instead of getting off the nearest pointing line, however, the Ballon d’Or runner took his time and walked all over the width of the pitch. This intentional delay frustrated the Colombian playerswho surrounded the judge in protest.
Depart that the 24-year-old’s discoveries could land him in trouble, Raphinha quickly went in. Barcelona forward physically pushed Vinicius away from the judgeprompted him to leave the field before things escalated. Matheus Cunha also supported Raphinha’s positionreinforce the need to keep their teammate out of discipline problems.
At that moment Barcelona was forward Don’t think like a Blaugrana player, nor as a rival of Vinicius at club level – he acted as leader of Brazil. He understood it A yellow card for time outline would mean suspensionwhich makes Vinicius unavailable for the massive Argentina Clash on March 25 at Monumental Stadium In Buenos Aires.
Vinicius recognizes Raphinha’s help when key players remain available
After the match, Vinicius admitted that Raphinha’s intervention was in his best interest. “Yes, I was warned, it’s just that in the qualification matches it is always complicated, it’s only two cards. You make a foul and are already warned, And I couldn’t miss the next match, ” He explained Movistar+.
“In the qualifying matches it is always complicated … they are only two cards.” “One is missing and is already noticeable … and couldn’t miss the next game.” 🎙 Vinicius word.
#Eliminatoriassudamericanas #Lacasadelf fútbol
The deceive of Raphinha and Matheus Cunha to Vinicius when delaying the excess when replaced. If the Brazilian had seen a yellow card, he would have dropped his duel against Argentina.
#Lacasadelf fútbol #Eliminatoriassudamericanas
Brazilian fans praised Raphinha for her maturityWith many who noted that his actions ensured that Vinicius would be available to the Argentina game. The match against The current champions in the World Cup and Copa America are crucial Because Brazil aims to close the gap in the Conmebol position. They are currently sitting in Second placeand Argentina leads the group with four points. Considering NeymarLosing Vinicius for such a massive meeting would have been a big blow.
Raphinha herself risked interrupting but also managed to avoid a yellow card. While Barcelona -Fans may have wanted something elseGiven that the 28-year-old is expected to get tired before their play against HealthBrazil fans will be relieved that their most important attacking duo will be available for their toughest challenge yet.
