Rayo Vallecano defender Ivan Balliu admits targeting Vinicius Junior throughout last night's shock win against Real Madrid.

However, he insists he never sought to hurt the Brazilan.

The Albania international told El Chiringuito: "It's hard to stop players like Vinicius, so I had to look for those little things other than football.

"He was trying to go strong, to mark his territory but I had to remind him that the list for Brazil was released a few hours ago... and everything went well.

"Yes, it's true that I hit him, I clipped his ear a little and he exaggerates too.

"I tried to stop and I clip a little with his ear or his head, but with no intention of hitting him violently.

"I received chatter (from Real players) telling me a lot of things, but not that they were asking for a red or something like that."