"In the 72nd minute, Alonso made the choice to withdraw Brazil winger Vinícius Júnior and replace him with his countryman, Rodrygo. Vinícius, last year's Ballon d'Or runner-up, clearly didn't agree with the decision. The 25-year-old made his displeasure clear as he walked off the pitch, animatedly aiming complaints in the direction of the Madrid dugout, before walking straight on down the tunnel."
""It's not about you, it's about the team. It's about the collective. It's about winning. It is about going five points clear. It's about beating Barcelona after they beat you four times last year. It's about winning Xabi Alonso's first Clásico as coach," he said on Sunday's episode of ESPN FC. "We shouldn't be talking about someone getting substituted after 75 minutes. "It drives me mad.""
"In Alonso's first 13 games in charge of the 2025-26 season, Vinícius has completed 90 minutes just three times. Earlier in the campaign, the player's entourage told ESPN they were not happy with Alonso's use of Vinícius, although the situation has improved since -- playing the full 90 minutes in three of the past six games -- and Alonso has remained publicly supportive."
Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in Xabi Alonso's first Clásico in charge. Alonso substituted Vinícius Júnior in the 72nd minute for Rodrygo, prompting an angry reaction from Vinícius as he walked off and headed down the tunnel. Steve McManaman emphasized that decisions should prioritize the team and collective goals rather than individual reactions. Vinícius has completed 90 minutes only three times in Alonso's first 13 games, with earlier discontent from his entourage but recent improvements in playing time. Rodrygo has featured sparingly, collecting 316 minutes amid competition from other squad members.
Read at ESPN.com
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