Fede Viñas: A Unique Case in LaLiga’s Disciplinary Record

Fede Viñas was a standout player in the recent Alavés-Oviedo match. He opened the scoring, breaking a seven-match goalless streak for his team. Viñas had two clear chances to extend the lead, particularly a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Sivera; however, his performance took a turn when he received a red card.

The expulsion occurred at a critical moment in the match, with the score tied at one and still 15 minutes remaining. Viñas received a double yellow card, the second for a handball during an aerial challenge. This marked his third red card of the season, two of which were direct for violent conduct, placing him in a statistical category rarely occupied by forwards. With half the league season still to play, it is important to note that he is just one expulsion away from equaling the 21st-century record for red cards in LaLiga, which stands at four.

This record is shared by defenders Eduardo Berizzo and Alberto Lopo, both of whom achieved four red cards during the 2003-04 season. Since then, no player has reached that number in a single campaign. Remarkably, Viñas is a forward, which adds another layer of significance to his situation.

Typically, multiple expulsions are more common among defenders and, to a lesser extent, midfielders who are often involved in challenging plays and tactical fouls. The fact that a striker is approaching such numbers is exceptional and underscores why Viñas’s name stands out in the historical records.

In fact, when focusing solely on forwards, the list of players with three red cards in a season is quite limited. This century, only seven strikers have reached that threshold. Notable players include Xisco Nadal (Levante 2010-11), Álvaro Negredo (Sevilla 2009-10), Sergio García (Betis 2008-09), Aritz Aduriz (Athletic 2006-07), Darío Silva (Málaga 2001-02), and Gerhard Poschner (Rayo 2000-01).

None of these players, however, managed to secure a fourth expulsion. The absolute record remains the domain of defenders, highlighting the anomaly of Viñas’s disciplinary season. Additionally, two of his three red cards have been direct, indicating not just a buildup of yellow cards but rather specific high-risk actions.

The context matters as well. Viñas is not a forward typically associated with violent play or a defensive role. His inclusion in this ranking suggests he has faced extreme situations and played in tense matches, characteristics that are generally outside a forward’s usual territory.

With many matches still to play, the Uruguayan is just one card away from achieving a historical mark that has stood untouched for over two decades. While this is not a desirable record, it certainly provides perspective on how unusual his season has been.

In 21st-century LaLiga, where multiple expulsions typically favor defenders, a forward nearing the absolute record is an unusual statistical occurrence. Fede Viñas, for better or for worse, has now become part of this narrative.