Vinicius survives VAR after kicking goalie, Elche . Image: Real Madrid shared via X.
(The Post News)– Elche fans were furious on Sunday night after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior kicked their goalkeeper, Inaki Pena. Pena was squared in the face only moments before Jude Bellingham scored the dramatic 2–2 equalizer. Despite Pena bleeding from the collision, the referee did not stop play or trigger a Virtual Assistant Referee (VAR) review.
The incident erupted in the 89th minute with Madrid chasing an equalizer—a high delivery into the box saw Pena surge off his line to collect. Vinicius arrived late, stretching for a ball he could not reach, and his raised boot crashed directly into Pena’s face. The impact was immediate; Pena fell to the ground clutching his cheek as teammates demanded a stoppage.
But referee Sanchez Martinez waved play on as Madrid continued to recycle possession. Within seconds, the ball found its way back into the danger area, and Jude Bellingham drilled home the 2–2 goal. It sparked wild celebrations while Pena was still down and bleeding.
Elche players surrounded the referee in disbelief, pointing to the goalkeeper’s injury. Medical staff was finally allowed onto the pitch after the goal to treat visible cuts on Pena’s face.
VAR Under Fire
The main source of outrage remains the absence of VAR intervention. LaLiga protocol states that any high-boot challenge resulting in potential endangerment involving head contact must be reviewed regardless of play continuing.
But on this occasion, neither the referee nor the VAR team paused the game or recommended an on-field check. No replay was shown in the stadium, and no explanation was given during the match.
The football fraternity across Spain reacted sharply after full-time, insisting Vinicius could have been sanctioned with a yellow card for dangerous play.
Pena Shaken but Plays On
Despite the collision and visible bleeding, the 25-year-old Elche loanee from FC Barcelona finished the match after treatment. Sources at the club later confirmed soft-tissue swelling and a superficial cut, but no fracture.
Barcelona are unlikely to let the matter rest; officials are expected to request an explanation from the Referees Committee (CTA). Elche, whose player’s safety was directly involved, is also expected to raise logistical questions surrounding the failure to intervene.
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