Lunin Intervenes to Pull Teammate Away from Clash in El Clásico, Real Madrid Files Urgent Appeal

In the aftermath of an intense El Clásico that ended with Real Madrid defeating Barcelona 2-1, multiple reports indicate that the Spanish giants are preparing urgent legal and administrative steps to challenge a refereeing decision during the final minutes of the match.

According to sources on Monday, the club’s legal team is set to submit an official appeal against the straight red card issued to backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

The controversial sending-off did not occur during regular play but amid chaos following the final whistle, when tensions throughout the match escalated into verbal and physical altercations near the substitutes’ benches. Lunin became an unintended victim of the fracas, a move the club describes as “unjustified.”

Incident Details: Lunin Acts to Protect Vinícius

The Athletic reports that Lunin’s actions were far from aggressive. The Ukrainian goalkeeper, sitting on the bench, moved toward the post-match altercation to protect his teammate, Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, who was at the center of a heated verbal exchange with Barcelona players.

In a clear attempt to de-escalate, Lunin tried to pull Vinícius away from the confrontation and embraced him upon returning to the bench, signaling his intention to calm the situation rather than participate. Despite this, the referee issued a direct red card to Lunin, leaving Real Madrid’s staff “puzzled and frustrated” at the decision, forming the legal basis for the upcoming appeal.

El Clásico Tensions: How It Escalated

The post-match chaos was the culmination of mounting tension throughout the game. The spark came when Barcelona midfielder Pedri received a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal, which heightened tempers on the pitch.

After the final whistle, the contained frustrations erupted into skirmishes around the benches. Vinícius Júnior became the focal point of the confrontation, specifically clashing verbally with Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal. Pre-existing tensions, fueled by Yamal’s pre-match statements, contributed to the volatile atmosphere.

Lunin: The Unexpected Victim

Amid attempts by at least four Real Madrid staff members to separate Vinícius and prevent escalation, Lunin joined in to assist. However, the referee deemed Lunin’s intervention as involvement in the incident, resulting in a red card.

Now, Real Madrid seeks to have the card overturned, arguing that Lunin acted positively to protect his teammate and that the punishment was unfair and unwarranted, potentially sidelining their backup goalkeeper for upcoming matches without justification.