For Real Madrid, last weekend was an opportunity for them to prove themselves. After losing all four times to arch-rivals Barcelona last season, Los Blancos won the first meeting of the 2025-2026 season between the two teams.
The 2-1 victory also marked a memorable day for Xabi Alonso, as this was his first Super classic as Real Madrid coach.
However, not everyone was excited to celebrate.
In the 72nd minute, Alonso decided to take Vinicius Junior off the field, replacing him with his compatriot Rodrygo. Vinicius clearly disagreed with this decision. He expressed his frustration when leaving the pitch, pointing complaints to the technical department before going straight into the tunnel.
Steve Mc Manaman, a former Real Madrid player from 1999-2003 and now an ESPN commentator, commented: "It's not about you being substituted, it's about the team. The problem is the collective. The problem is winning. The problem is a 5-point lead. The problem is defeating Barcelona after they beat you four times last season.
This was Xabi Alonso's first Super classic win as coach. We should not focus on someone being substituted after 75 minutes. It made me crazy.
In the first 13 matches of Alonso leading the 2025-2026 season, Vinicius only played the full 90 minutes three times. Previously, the player's representative shared that they were not satisfied with Alonso's use of Vinicius. However, the situation has gradually improved. In the last 6 matches, he has played the full 90 minutes in 3 matches, and Alonso is still publicly supporting the 25-year-old player.
Meanwhile, Rodrygo must patiently seek opportunities to play. As Real Madrid gradually adapted to Alonso's style, the 24-year-old has only played 316 minutes - just over half of Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old new signing in the summer. This number is also 35 minutes less than Brahim Diaz.
"It's a lack of respect for the coach and teammates who come on for him. Rodrygo can look and ask himself if he thinks he's better than me and better than anyone else? And that is the problem," said Luis Garcia, a former Barcelona player.
As usual, Alonso maintained a diplomatic attitude when responding to Vinicius' reaction after the match.
"I will focus on the positive points in the match, as well as Vinicius' contribution. Of course, we will talk about Vinicius' reaction, but I do not want to distract attention from what is really important.
We will talk about that, in the context of a great match. Vinicius has contributed a lot. This is an important and completely deserved victory. The important thing is to feel the competition of the whole team in big matches. We will discuss the remaining issues later," said the Real captain.
El Clasico has come to an end, but this incident will certainly create a storm within Real Madrid. With a strong personality and great self-respect, Vinicius' reaction was not only a fleeting anger, but also a clear warning for Alonso. Controlling the egos in the dressing room will be the biggest challenge he will have to solve at the Bernabeu.
