Real Madrid defeated Barcelona 2-1 in this round of La Liga. Vinicius performed well and created many threats, but was replaced early. He lost control of his emotions and went straight back to the locker room. "L'Equipe" revealed more behind-the-scenes details.
Vinicius's out-of-control attitude when he was substituted in Sunday's El Clasico sparked a flood of criticism and angered Real Madrid's management. The Brazilian star's relationship with coach Xabi Alonso is already highly strained.
This episode continues to ferment around the world, even overshadowing the joy of Real Madrid's victory over Barcelona. When the El Clasico reached the 72nd minute, Real Madrid coach Xavi Alonso decided to replace Vinicius.
The Brazilian in disbelief pointed at his chest and asked the coach: "Me? Change me?", then cursed in Portuguese (the original meaning was worse than "Go to hell"), then cursed angrily, shook his head and left the field.
He did not greet Alonso or look at each other, and then exploded to assistant coach Sebastian Parrilla: "It's always me! I want to leave the team! I'm leaving now, it's better if I leave!" After that, he went straight to the locker room.
This is not the first time that Vinicius's anger and controversial attitude have occurred. But similar scenes reoccur repeatedly, each time exacerbating the irritation of Real Madrid's management - who are 100% behind Alonso and his decision-making. While the management understood the Brazilian's frustration when he was substituted (he was performing well at the time), they were unable to identify with the poor image he presented to the world, which undermined his status as third captain.
What is even more alarming is that since the beginning of the season, the Real Madrid winger's anger and public accusations are no longer directed at opponents or referees, but directly at the coach - he publicly questions his selection and management methods, but in fact challenges his authority and legitimacy. There were precedents as early as September 20 against Barcelona Espanyol (2-0) and ten days later in the Champions League against Kairat Almaty (5-0).
Decisions that have never been explained
There is a serious miscommunication between Alonso and Vinicius. According to people close to him, the Brazilian star, who always starts under Carlo Ancelotti and is almost never substituted, believes that no matter how he performs, he will always be the first player to be sacrificed.
In Real Madrid's 13 games, he was substituted 3 times and played the full game only 3 times. The Real Madrid No. 7 felt that he was not taken seriously. He has never been able to understand Alonso's decision-making logic and distant style - Alonso never communicated with him in depth and never explained the substitution decision.
However, the two had a brief exchange in the locker room after the game in an attempt to downplay the conflict. Most of his teammates still had dinner with Vinicius on Sunday. Although he was often troubled by his out-of-control emotions and lack of team awareness, his teammates understood his impulsive personality and did not criticize him too harshly.
We may have a direct conversation on Wednesday
Alonso promised that the conversation with Vinicius ("Of course we will communicate in due course") is expected to take place when training resumes on Wednesday, and Real Madrid management has no intention of getting involved. But in the face of such strong frustration from the Brazilian, is it possible that he will eventually leave Real Madrid? This is neither what the club wants nor Vinicius's intention (his contract runs until June 2027, with a release clause of 1 billion euros).
Although his contract extension negotiations are currently stalled due to financial differences between the two parties (not related to salary), the Brazilian is still eager to stay with Real Madrid for a long time-unless his already tense relationship with the coach deteriorates further.