Vinícius vs the Clasico: Substitution Sparks Fireworks and a New Madrid Makeover
28 October 2025
Reaction and Fallout
Angry reactions to Vinícius Júnior’s conduct continued after the moment that followed his substitution in the Clasico against Barcelona. Inside Real Madrid and beyond, the scene sparked a heated debate among fans and former teammates alike.
Sources close to the club expressed fury at how he expressed his discontent when coach Xabi Alonso brought on Rodrygo for him, arguing that Vinícius crossed a line of respect, especially as he gestured toward the stands at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Across Spain, the chorus of critics grew louder, with former Madrid players chiming in. German international Sami Khedira, who wore the shirt between 2010 and 2015, weighed in on the debate.
“Of course you can be upset about the coach’s decision,” Khedira told Mundo Deportivo. “But you must remember you are part of a team. Imagine we are in a paddle tennis match; if I come on for you and you react with that kind of anger, I’d feel uneasy. You can protest, but not like that or with that body language.”
Alonso's Calm and the Manager's Perspective
Inside the Clasico, a fresh wave of tension erupted when Vinícius openly voiced his displeasure at the substitution around the 70th minute, gesturing and muttering before leaving the pitch for the locker room and returning minutes later with a grim face.
When he saw his number on the fourth official’s board, he looked stunned and shouted clearly as he left, not even exchanging a word with Alonso.
Alonso stayed focused on the match while teammates attempted to calm Vinícius. The Brazilian did not initially sit on the bench and headed to the locker room, later reappearing with a grim expression.
As he left, Vinícius could not contain his temper and shouted a profanity aimed at Alonso, a moment that added to the ongoing friction.
That wasn’t the first time Vinícius had shown anger at a manager’s decisions.
In additional DAZN footage, Vinícius is heard shouting: “It’s always me! I’ll leave the team, it’s better that I leave,” while Alonso responds calmly: “Come on, Vinícius.”
Alonso later addressed the episode with composure, saying the win mattered and that there would be time to discuss the incident within the group.
Mbappé Emergence and Madrid's Attack Balance
Mbappé has established himself as the main figure in the late stages of the season, contributing decisively this season. In 13 matches across La Liga and the Champions League, he has 16 goals and two assists.
That influence has changed how opponents defend Real Madrid; the reliance has shifted toward Mbappé rather than Vinícius, altering the team’s attacking dynamics.
Mbappé’s movement between central zones and the half-spaces has given Madrid more attacking options and reduced Vinícius’s central prominence. The “attack equation” has evolved, with Mbappé occupying more decisive space and Vinícius taking a secondary role.
All told, Vinícius appears less central not due to a drop in form, but because the team’s offensive balance has shifted—Mbappé takes more decisive space while Vinícius remains a co-star.
Punchline 1: If Vinícius keeps turning into a courtroom drama, maybe Real Madrid should start selling tickets at the bench.
Punchline 2: Mbappé’s timing is so sharp that even the offside line looks jealous.
