Mallorca full-back apologised to Real Madrid superstar for rash tackle: “I have no problem with him” | OneFootball

Tensions ran high as Real Madrid faced Mallorca in their first La Liga game of the new season last night.

Coming off a spectacular win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, Los Blancos were eager to start La Liga on the right foot. However, Mallorca put up strong resistance, holding them to a 1-1 draw.

One of the most intense battles at Estadi de Son Moix was the face-off between Vinicius Jr. and Pablo Maffeo.

The Mallorca full-back’s tough resistance against the Brazilian’s brilliance has become a recurring feature in recent clashes between these two La Liga rivals, and last night was no exception.

Maffeo talks about Vinicius

The scuffle between the two players began early in the game, with an unnecessary push from the Real Madrid superstar. Tensions escalated throughout the first half, culminating in a reckless challenge by Maffeo on the Brazilian that could have seen him sent off.

Pablo Maffeo challenged Vinicius Jr. with a rash challenge. (Photo by JAIME REINA/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking to the media after the game, the Mallorca defender revealed that he spoke with Vinicius during a hydration break to defuse the situation.

“Before the match, I told Vinicius to stop messing around, that there was no point in continuing with that stuff. We were cool.”

The full-back even admitted to apologizing for the rash tackle, saying, “I apologised to Vinicius for the foul. It was a yellow and I accepted it. It was without strength. I have no problem with Vinicius.”

Finally, Maffeo ended the interview on a positive note, expressing a willingness to put the rivalry aside off the field. “People tell me Vinicius is a good guy, and I believe it.”

Luckily for Real Madrid, the Brazilian star did not suffer a serious injury and completed 88 minutes on the night. Vinicius is now expected to start when Los Blancos take on Real Valladolid later this week.

Source: Jijantes FC