What began as a spark has now become a full-blown storm inside Real Madrid.
The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Vinícius Júnior has deteriorated sharply following their heated clash during El Clásico, and tension within the dressing room is reaching critical levels.
The Breaking Point: El Clásico Tension Boils Over
During Sunday’s 2–1 win over Barcelona, Vinícius was substituted in the 72nd minute — despite being one of Madrid’s brightest performers.
When the number 7 flashed on the board, the Brazilian’s disbelief was instant.
“Me? Mister, me?” he shouted toward the touchline before muttering angrily in Portuguese and storming off.
Moments later, as he reached the bench, the eruption came:
“It’s always me! I’m done with this team! I’m leaving!”
Then he vanished down the tunnel, leaving stunned teammates and cameras capturing every second.
Club Backs Alonso, Not the Star
Real Madrid’s management moved quickly to contain the fallout. From the front office down, the message was clear: absolute confidence in Xabi Alonso and his authority.
Vinícius’s outburst, however, has been viewed internally as a serious act of indiscipline — one that damages both the team’s image and the locker room’s unity. Sources suggest fines or internal sanctions are on the table, depending on how the situation evolves.
Vinícius Feels Marginalized
From Vinícius’s side, frustration has been building for months. He believes Alonso does not fully value his contribution or style of play. Despite adapting to the coach’s tactical requests — tracking back more, defending deeper, and sacrificing attacking freedom — he feels unrewarded and disrespected.
He points to his decisive role in Madrid’s recent Champions League triumphs and his recognition as FIFA’s The Best winner, yet senses that his status no longer shields him from being the easy target when things go wrong.
This Didn’t Start Yesterday
The tension traces back to September 22, when a private meeting took place at Valdebebas, Madrid’s training base. Vinícius had already been benched twice in the early season and substituted early in another game.
Frustrated, he reportedly warned that if the situation didn’t improve, he’d consider a move during the winter window.
That conversation temporarily smoothed things over, but the peace didn’t last. When Alonso benched him again against Getafe, the discontent resurfaced. The El Clásico substitution was merely the final spark that ignited months of bottled-up frustration.
So far this season, Vinícius has started 10 of 13 matches, but has only finished three.
Uncertain Future
While Vinícius remains emotionally attached to Real Madrid and his contract runs until 2027, he now feels trapped in a situation that is becoming untenable.
He doesn’t hold the club itself responsible — he still feels institutional backing — but he believes Alonso’s tactical vision leaves little room for his natural flair.
Negotiations for a renewal have stalled, raising new concerns about the long-term relationship. By next summer, Vinícius will be entering the final stretch of his deal, and Madrid risks being forced to sell or lose him for free.
Fragile Calm After the Storm
For now, both sides are trying to cool things down. Vinícius insists he was playing well and could have influenced the result further, while the club maintains that Alonso’s authority is non-negotiable.
Behind closed doors, though, the situation remains fragile. The once-celebrated partnership between coach and star is now on the brink — and Real Madrid’s dressing room is feeling the heat like never before.