Ex-Arsenal star Gabriel ‘sends Vinicius Jr to next week’ as he receives red card for brutal challenge at Real Madrid

Former Arsenal star Gabriel Paulista caused a huge melee after delivering a wild kick to Vinicius Jr.

The Brazilian defender was in Valencia’s defense as they headed to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid in LaLiga tonight.

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He played a key role in knocking out the Champions League holders in the first half before things quickly went awry.

Marco Asensio finally broke the resistance seven minutes after the restart when he fired past goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Then, just moments later, it was 2-0 as Vinicius Jr. put on a brilliant solo performance.

But just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse for Valencia, Paulista saw red after aiming a punt at his compatriot that sent his rival ‘into the next week’, according to the commentators.

Vinicius had the ball down the left side and was getting nowhere as the 32-year-old decided to kick the Madrid forward high in the air after smacking the ball past him.

Players from both teams immediately raced over as the referee gave the ex-Gooner his marching orders.

Luckily, Vinicius Jr, who appeared to escape unharmed, was one of the first to confront Paulista as a host of his teammates joined in as Valencia’s team attempted to lobby for their man and then haul him away.

But even when Paulista made it to the touchline, he still had to get past fellow Brazilian Eder Militao, who had previously been substituted for Madrid injured, before making it to the dressing room.

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Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will have been relieved after seeing two of his most trusted stars hobble away from this nasty episode.

Los Blancos, who beat Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in last season’s final, meet the Reds again in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at Anfield on 21 February.

However, they could sweat on the fitness of their talisman striker Karim Benzema, as well as Militao.

The 35-year-old, who had to leave his country’s World Cup squad due to injury, came out of the defense after a full hour attempt to accelerate.

He then left the field with what appeared to be a right hamstring problem.

Militao was substituted after just 36 minutes at the Bernabeu after falling to the pitch in agony.

According to initial reports, he has injured his right groin or it could be a possible adductor injury.

Despite the brace, Madrid were able to reduce the gap to Barcelona to five points at the top of the table after the 2-0 triumph.

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