Vinicius Jr. Expresses Frustration After Being Substituted in Clasico
Tensions Rise During the Match
Vinicius Jr. left the field in anger after being substituted in the 71st minute of Real Madrid’s intense match against Barcelona, clearly showing his dissatisfaction to manager Xabi Alonso. The decision to replace him with Rodrygo came during a crucial game that ended with a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid, where Vinicius played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph, significantly challenging Barcelona’s right-back, Jules Kounde.
Impact of the Victory
This win marked a crucial moment for Madrid, breaking a streak of four consecutive losses to Barcelona. It was expected to signal a turning point for manager Alonso as he sought to establish his leadership within the group. However, Vinicius’s visible frustration over his substitution highlighted the difficulty Alonso faces in managing the star-studded roster.
Ongoing Managerial Challenges
Since taking over in May, Alonso’s relationship with Vinicius has been rocky, with the young star frequently substituted throughout the season. Alonso appears to be working on maximizing the talents of both Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe, who struggled to find their rhythm during the previous season.
Vinicius’s Performance and Contributions
In a highly charged game, Vinicius showcased his determination by engaging in tackles and rallying the fans for support. He consistently outmaneuvered Kounde, establishing himself as Madrid’s most likely avenue for scoring. He played a crucial role in the build-up to the team’s first goal, delivering a perfect cross that was skillfully played into the net by Jude Bellingham following an assist from Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen. Later, he created a potential opportunity for Mbappe, which was ultimately ruled out for offside.
Confrontation After the Whistle
Despite his earlier exit, Vinicius was back on the field before the conclusion of the match, where he found himself involved in a skirmish after Pedri’s red card sparked tension between players from both sides. He had to be escorted away from the altercation as he argued with Barcelona’s squad.