"We couldn't win because they didn't let us"

Vinicius Junior celebrated his 250th game in a Real Madrid shirt with a brace against Valencia at the Mestalla, and criticised the performance of referee Gil Manzano, who blew the final whistle on a cross that ended in a Jude Bellingham goal, saying they didn't win because they didn't let them.

"A very difficult match, playing away from home is always complicated, but after conceding two goals, we managed to equalise and in the end we didn't win because they didn't let us," he told 'Real Madrid TV'.

Words that, if interpreted as a message to the referee, could lead to a sanction. Gaya was suspended for four matches in May 2022 and fined 602 euros for saying that a referee did not want to give a penalty in a match against Osasuna.  

Vinicius also expressed his happiness at his 250th game for Real Madrid: "It's a tremendous joy, I never imagined I'd play so many games so young. I want to continue making history, to be among the best and among the players who have played the most games in this shirt," he said.

Finally, he asked for the support of the Real Madrid fans on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against RB Leipzig. "We have to continue to stand firm, that the fans are with us in an important game".