Vinícius Júnior Responds on the Court After Being a Substitute
Vinícius Júnior, after being relegated to the bench by coach Xabi Alonso, responded with a crucial goal and an assist in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo. The Brazilian forward, who entered the field in the 63rd minute replacing Rodrygo, was fundamental in the victory. Vinícius assisted Kylian Mbappé for the team’s second goal and then scored the third in stoppage time. Vinícius’ reaction after his assist was notable, apparently shouting at the referee before being calmed down by Mbappé. He celebrated his goal in front of the Oviedo fans. The player had been left out of the starting eleven after not standing out in the first LaLiga match against Osasuna.It is reported that negotiations for the renewal of Vinícius’ contract are stalled, with his current agreement valid until June 2027. Alonso had considered leaving Vinícius out of the team for the Club World Cup against Paris Saint-Germain, but then changed his mind.“Vini did well when he came on, he was decisive in those two goals,” Alonso commented in a press conference. “We are happy with the players who started and those who came off the bench. There will be many games for everyone.”
Xabi Alonso
Rodrygo took Vinícius’s place in the starting eleven and performed well.“In football, decisions are made thinking about the team, and today it was like that,” explained Alonso. “The changes from one match to another depend on what we need in terms of play, effort, and the opponent. We want people to feel important and be prepared to start, come off the bench, or be ready for the next match.”
Xabi Alonso
Alonso also praised Dani Carvajal and Franco Mastantuono, who debuted as a starter with the club.“Rodrygo had a good game,” Alonso said. “In the first half he linked up well with Alvaro [Carreras], Arda [Güler], Kylian. He had some shots. Oviedo sat back and it was difficult to find spaces. But I liked it. We need everyone.”
Xabi Alonso
Real Madrid seeks to recover this season under Alonso’s management, after failing to achieve important titles in the previous season. The team has six points in its first two league matches.“Mastantuono had a very good game,” Alonso stated. “He has connected with the group and his teammates in a short time, he seems integrated into our game. He will give us a lot in the short, medium and long term.”
Xabi Alonso
“We had a good rhythm in the first half, we were dominant,” Alonso commented. “Our pace was very good… In the second half, we slowed down a bit, Oviedo came on strong. But we won the ball in defense, and the last two goals gave us peace of mind. It was a very complete match, with a great attitude from the team.”
Xabi Alonso
