For the first time since 2019, Real Madrid face El Clásico without Vinicius

Vinicius Junior will miss the clash between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, scheduled for this evening, due to suspension. This marks his first absence from a Clasico match since 2019, according to Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo."

The newspaper explained that Vinicius has become one of the prominent leaders of the new generation at Real Madrid in recent years, following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema. He has also turned into one of the most important players in the team's clashes against FC Barcelona.

The last Clasico that Brazilian star Vinicius Junior missed took place on December 18, 2019, when French coach Zinedine Zidane decided to keep him on the bench. Real Madrid relied on Isco in the playmaker position, behind the duo Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema, while the midfield included Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Fede Valverde. The defense was composed of Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, and Raphael Varane, with Thibaut Courtois in goal.

The match ended in a goalless draw after being postponed from its original date of October 26 due to tensions in the streets of Barcelona related to the judicial ruling concerning the events of October 1, 2017.

The Spanish newspaper suggests that Vinicius Junior's absence may not represent a significant blow for Real Madrid this time, given his drop in form during the current season. It points out that his absence gives Ivorian Yan Diomande a greater opportunity to feature in the upcoming clash, after joining the team in a deal worth €146 million.

Vinicius Junior has a record of eight goals in 24 Clasico matches, with Real Madrid achieving 11 wins, 12 losses, and one draw. Yan Diomande's potential brilliance may affect the Brazilian's chances of getting more playing time, especially with José Mourinho taking over the team.

However, the impact of Vinicius's absence and Diomande's level will become clear after the match, while the chances of future encounters between the two teams remain in the Supercopa de España, Copa del Rey, or UEFA Champions League, in addition to the return match in LaLiga at Santiago Bernabéu.