Real Madrid has confirmed that star winger Vinicius Junior sustained a sprained left ankle during their thrilling but crushing 4-3 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in El Clasico on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The injury, which forced the Brazilian off the pitch in the 88th minute, adds to an already extensive injury list for Los Blancos, compounding the pain of a loss that leaves them seven points adrift of league leaders Barcelona with only three games remaining.
The match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys was a rollercoaster, with Real Madrid taking a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes, thanks to a penalty and a sharp finish from Kylian Mbappe, the latter assisted by Vinicius. Despite his struggles to dominate after the opening exchanges, Vinicius remained a constant threat, providing two assists for Mbappe’s eventual hat-trick, which briefly reignited hopes of a comeback. However, Barcelona’s relentless attack, led by Raphinha’s brace, Lamine Yamal, and Eric Garcia, capitalized on Madrid’s depleted defense to secure a victory that all but seals their 28th La Liga title.
Vinicius, who has been a talisman for Madrid this season with 20 goals and 16 assists, limped off after signaling discomfort, replaced by youngster Victor Munoz. Post-match, manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the winger had twisted his ankle, initially attempting to play on before requesting a substitution. On Monday, Real Madrid’s medical team confirmed the diagnosis, stating, “Following tests carried out today on Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left ankle. His recovery will be monitored.” No specific timeline for his return was provided, leaving fans anxious about his availability for the season’s final stretch and the upcoming Club World Cup.
The injury woes don’t end there for Real Madrid. Right-back Lucas Vazquez, who captained the side in the absence of several senior players, also suffered a left thigh injury during the match, further depleting an already thin defensive line. With key defenders Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, and David Alaba already sidelined—some for the entire season—Ancelotti is left with just three fit defenders as Madrid prepare to face Mallorca on Wednesday. The mounting injuries have exposed vulnerabilities in a squad that has struggled to maintain consistency amid a grueling campaign.
Ancelotti, who conceded post-match that the La Liga title is likely out of reach, expressed frustration at his side’s defensive errors, which gifted Barcelona crucial goals. Despite Mbappe’s record-breaking performance—becoming Real Madrid’s highest-scoring debutant with 39 goals this season—the team’s makeshift defense, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Raul Asencio, couldn’t withstand Barcelona’s onslaught. Off the pitch, Vinicius also made headlines for a heated exchange with a Barcelona fan who taunted him as he left the field, highlighting the emotional toll of the defeat.