Post-Match Reactions
In the aftermath of Real Madrid’s solid 2-0 victory over Espanyol, head coach Xabi Alonso addressed concerns about Vinícius Júnior’s reaction when he was substituted. The Brazilian winger made his exit in the 77th minute, replaced by Rodrygo, during a moment when Madrid was comfortably ahead in the match at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Observers noted Vinícius’s frustration evident as he tossed a water bottle to the ground and gestured towards Alonso, indicating his displeasure before engaging in a brief conversation with the coach.
Alonso’s Perspective
Alonso, reflecting on the incident in the post-match press conference, stated, “The only thing missing from Vini’s performance today was a goal. We substituted him while he was in good form; perhaps we could have delayed the decision, but I felt we needed fresh legs on the wing.”
He further elaborated on the moment by drawing a parallel with Franco Mastantuono, who was brought off at the same time.
“Franco, too, expressed his desire to continue playing, similar to Vinícius, but at times, we need to make tough decisions for the team’s benefit,” Alonso explained.
Understanding Player Emotions
Despite Vinícius’s displeasure, Alonso described such reactions as part of normal competitive sports.
“It’s natural for players to feel upset when substituted, and Franco shared a similar reaction,” he remarked, showing understanding of the emotional investment players have in their performances.
He expressed satisfaction with both players’ contributions during the game and emphasized the importance of maintaining energy levels, especially given the demanding nature of their fixture schedule.
Season Overview and Future Prospects
This season, Alonso has seen fit to leave Vinícius out of the starting lineup on two occasions in six matches across all competitions. Additionally, recent reports suggest that contract negotiations with the talented winger, whose current agreement with Real Madrid runs until 2027, have stalled, with no significant developments in recent months.
Match Highlights
Madrid’s triumph against Espanyol marked their fifth consecutive victory in LaLiga, securing their position at the top of the league table. The match also signified the return of Jude Bellingham, who made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute. Alonso commented on Bellingham’s integration into the squad, stating,
“The more we involve Jude in the games, the better we are likely to perform. His return, along with Eduardo Camavinga, provides us with excellent options as we continue to grow as a team since August.”
