The fallout from Vinicius Junior's sending off in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Villarreal could have far-reaching consequences, as his participation in El Clasico is now in doubt.

The Brazil international was sent off for tugging on the hair of an opponent in the game against the Yellow Submarines in La Liga on Saturday evening.

His straight red card could now translate into a multi-game suspension, with just one game left until this season's first El. Clasico.

Los Bllancos returned to winning ways against Villarreal, but may now have to navigate the next few games without one of their key men.

What Happened With Vinicius Junior Against Villarreal?

Vinicius Junior was named among the substitutes for the game against Villarreal by manager Jose Mourinho, possibly due to his struggles this season.

Teenage star Yan Diomande was named in the starting line-up in his place, featuring from the left flank.

The 26-year-old was brought off the bench with 52 minutes on the clock, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold as Mourinho reshuffled his team, with Diomande switching to the right.

The change appeared to be an inspired one, as Diomande opened the scoring within ten minutes of his switch to the opposite flank.

Vinicius Junior joined in the party in the 71st minute, finishing off a cutback from Jude Bellingham before wheeling away in celebration, and Mourinho sprinted to join him by the corner flag.

Their joy was short-lived, as referee Díaz de Mera Escuderos was alerted to a possible infringement by the VAR, and he went to look at the screen.

He observed that Vinicius Junior had grabbed Nathan Saliba by the hair as he sprinted away on the counter, allowing him to get ahead of the Villarreal man.

The referee instantly showed a red card to the Real Madrid man, whose angry remonstration betrayed his frustration with the decision.

Vinicius Junior's goal was also chalked off for the foul on Saliba, leaving Los Blancos 1-0 up with ten men on the pitch.

Vinicius Junior Now Doubtful for El Clasico Showdown

According to Spanish outlet AS, there is a real possibility of Vinicius Junior missing the first El Clasico of the 2026-27 season on October 25th.

The winger's red card may be termed as having been awarded for violent conduct, meaning that he could face up to two or three games suspended.

The report from referee Díaz de Mera Escuderos will determine what happens with the Brazil international in the coming days, and his behaviour after the red card could be key to the outcome.

Vinicius Junior went ballistic on the referee, and it took the intervention of Antonio Rudiger to separate the pair after the red card was shown to him.

If the referee reports the action of the forward on Saliba to have been violent, article 103.2 of the disciplinary code states that he will get at least a two-match suspension.

With only a game against Sevilla standing between Real Madrid and taking on Barcelona, even the lightest punishment for violent conduct will guarantee that their star winger will miss the game at the Spotify Camp Nou.