Vinícius and Xabi Alonso, a moment of high tension at Real Madrid

Vinícius Jr. once again left one of the most controversial plays of Real Madrid in this start to the season. The Brazilian, who was substituted in the final minutes against Espanyol, did not hide his anger and starred in a tense moment with Xabi Alonso before heading straight to the locker room.

The scene, which was captured by television cameras, fuels doubts about the relationship between coach and player and has sparked rumors about the Brazilian's intention to leave the White team, for free!.

The 25-year-old forward has not managed to play a single full match so far this season. In two of the five league matches he was a substitute, and in the three that he started, he ended up being substituted.

His low competitive level in recent months and the demands of a busy schedule have led the coach to share minutes with other attackers, although this involves an enormous risk in the management of the locker room.

Vinícius' reaction after the change

When the scoreboard still reflected a tight victory for Los Blancos, Xabi Alonso decided to bring in a fresh player in attack. Vinícius, visibly upset, shook his head and showed gestures of disapproval.

Vinicius and Xabi Alonso. #DeportePlus #LaCasaDelFútbol pic.twitter.com/zBDXSr2dz2

— Fútbol en Movistar Plus+ (@MovistarFutbol) September 20, 2025

According to the latest information, the Brazilian continued protesting on his way to the tunnel, until he disappeared into the locker room before the final whistle of the match between Real Madrid and RCD Espanyol.

Xabi Alonso's "it wasn't the moment"

In the post-match press conference, Xabi Alonso was asked about the incident and simply replied that "it wasn't the moment" to give explanations for the player's behavior.

A brief but meaningful phrase that confirms Real Madrid's discomfort surrounding the situation. The coach is aware that his authority is at stake and that coexistence with a major star like Vinícius requires constant balance.

The "Vinícius case" threatens Madrid's stability

The lack of continuity and the Brazilian's secondary role at the start of the season have sparked rumors about a possible estrangement with the club and the new coach.

Some sectors of the locker room and the White club suspect that the player could be considering a future away from the Bernabéu. In fact, there is speculation that he may opt for a strategy similar to the one followed by Kylian Mbappé: wait for the end of his contract to leave as a free agent in 2027.

That option would allow him to negotiate a million-dollar signing bonus with any team on the continent, in addition to a salary befitting the great stars of world football. Another possibility, although less likely, would be to pressure for a renewal with extraordinary conditions, something that would hardly fit into the current policy of the Merengue board.

A major challenge for Xabi Alonso's group management

Beyond the sporting aspect, the standoff between Vinícius and Xabi Alonso opens a debate about the coach's leadership and his ability to manage egos within a locker room full of figures.

So far, the coach has opted for meritocracy and constant rotations, which has increased internal competitiveness. However, this model also causes friction with players accustomed to a role as undisputed starters.

Among the Merengue fans, opinions are divided. Some support Xabi Alonso in his decision to maintain a firm criterion and not be influenced by the status of his stars. Others, however, believe that cutting Vinícius' wings at this moment could pose a risk to the team's offensive balance.

For the moment, Real Madrid is adding points in the League and maintaining its candidacy in all competitions. However, the outcome of this story could seriously condition the team's course in the coming months.

• 👉 More information about Real Madrid in FC Barcelona Noticias