Vinicius handed two-match suspension, cleared to play in Supercopa

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been given a two-match ban following his red card for violent conduct against Valencia last week.

Vinicius was sent off for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the second half at the Mestalla stadium when his team were trailing 1-0.

They ultimately recovered to win 2-1, staying two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti subsequently outlined his hope that Vinicius would avoid a ban, despite red cards for violent conduct usually carrying a three-match penalty.

After an appeal by the club, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has suspended the Brazilian for two league games, while clearing him to participate in the Supercopa de Espana in Saudi Arabia.

Madrid, top of LaLiga with 43 points, will look to retain their Supercopa title this week.

They face Real Mallorca in the semi-finals, with either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao awaiting the victors.