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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"channelId":"92686d1e-5985-40e1-80f3-6f5a54f55b39","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Vinicius was set to start against main rivals</li><li>Sustained an undisclosed injury minutes before the game</li><li>Brahim Diaz replaced him in the starting XI</li></ul>

Fans left confused as Vinicius Junior withdraws from Real Madrid starting XI to face Atletico Madrid just four minutes before kick-off

LaLiga

Atletico Madrid

Deportivo Alaves

Leganes

Real Madrid

<p>Madrid suffered a major blow prior to kick off of their clash with Atleti, as they had to make do without their star man. The Brazilian was withdrawn just minutes before kick-off, leading to mass confusion among fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Brahim Diaz replaced Vinicius in the lineup, and made an immediate impact, bagging the opening goal of the game within 20 minutes. Vinicius was included on Carlo Ancelotti's bench, but the Real boss decided against throwing him into the game in the second half, and the La Liga leaders were eventually pegged back in stoppage time by an equaliser from Marcos Llorente.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Real fans will hope Vinicius does not face any more time on the sidelines, with the Brazilian having struggled with his fitness in the first half of the season. The 23-year-old has been vital for Ancelotti's side since his return, most notably scoring a hat-trick in Real's 4-1 Super Cup final win over Barcelona.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Vinicius will be determined to be available next Saturday, when his side take on Girona in a potential title decider. Real are favourites for the La Liga title after pulling clear of arch-rivals Barca, but Girona have been the surprise package of the season so far and won't go down without a fight with only two points currently separating the two teams at the top.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR

Fans left confused as Vinicius Junior withdraws from Real Madrid starting XI to face Atletico Madrid just four minutes before kick-off | Goal.com

Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr was removed from Los Blancos&apos; starting XI against Atletico Madrid due to an injury sustained in the warmup.