Xabi Alonso kept his cool after a flashpoint at the Bernabéu, promising a private conversation with Vinícius Júnior over the forward’s dramatic exit from Real Madrid’s 2-1 Clásico win over Barcelona.
With the score still in the balance, Alonso withdrew Vinícius in the 72nd minute for Rodrygo. The Brazilian’s reaction was unmistakable: he jabbed at his chest as if asking “me?”, shouted and laughed in disbelief, brushed past his manager on the touchline and stormed down the tunnel.
He later returned to the bench and became embroiled in the post-match mêlée, confronting Lamine Yamal amid the chaotic final moments. Vinícius was booked for his role in the scuffle and backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin saw red.
Alonso refused to let the incident overshadow the bigger picture. He hailed Vinícius’s overall contribution and the team’s performance, saying the substitution would be addressed away from the spotlight.
“I’ll focus on a lot of the positive things in the game, and good things from Vini,” Alonso said, adding that they would talk “in the context of the great game it was.” His message: the reaction will be handled internally, but the result and the team’s competitiveness matter most.
Vinícius has been a headline-maker this season both for his moments of magic and his fiery temperament. Alonso has left him out of the starting XI on a few occasions this campaign, a reminder that managing star emotions is part of the job.
Still, the coach has described him as “fundamental” and “decisive,” and said he likes to see him smiling — a hint that Alonso values the player’s passion but expects discipline.
Jude Bellingham’s late winner stole the headlines and gave Madrid a statement victory that pushed them five points clear at the top of LaLiga after 10 games.
Alonso praised Bellingham’s recent form and gradual return to full fitness, framing Vinícius’s outburst as a momentary flare in an otherwise crucial triumph.
The club will settle the matter internally; for now, Madrid returns to the title hunt with momentum — and with a conversation to be had behind closed doors.
