Real Madrid vs Barcelona Vinicius Junior Flores turns up as Freaky De Jong in wrestling match. Watch

Missing several players including star striker Robert Lewandowski due to injuries, La Liga leaders Barcelona beat Real Madrid in their Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Friday. Despite dominating possession, Real Madrid failed to register a shot on target as Barcelona managed to take a 1–0 lead into the second leg at the Camp Nou. An Eder Militão own goal proved decisive as Madrid missed several chances to equalize and possibly win the game.

There was a heated moment between Vinicius Jr. and Frankie de Jong in the first half. The incident happened in the 24th minute of the match when Vinicius and De Jong were fighting for the ball.

The Brazilian star had had enough as he headlocked the Dutchman before pinning him to the ground. The referee immediately booked Vinicius for the offense and showed him the yellow card. However, the young winger was hit hard by the decision as De Jong also had a hand on him during the brawl.

What’s the view between Vinicius and Frankie de Jong? pic.twitter.com/cQwhOyAno2

— Football Total (@FutbolTotalCF) March 2, 2023

Despite Barcelona’s seven-point lead over champions Madrid in La Liga, many, including Barca coach Xavi Hernández, had Madrid as favourites.

Los Blancos haven’t won a trophy since 2014 and hit Barca early on, with Benzema having a goal ruled out for offside.

A handful of Madrid fans protested outside the Santiago Bernabéu about Barca’s involvement in the “Negreira case” – the Catalan club pays a former refereeing chief for advice until 2018.

The more traditional roles were reversed as Madrid had more of the ball but Barcelona defended solidly and held home advantage.

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