Heat on the Sidelines: Vinícius Júnior, Alonso, and a 5-1 Real Madrid Triumph
6 January 2026
On-Camera Tension on the Real Madrid Bench
Movistar Plus+'s El Día Después captured tense moments between Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso during the 5-1 La Liga win over Real Betis in Round 18.
Vinícius appeared visibly upset toward the coach after boos from some Bernabéu supporters and a clash with defender Marc Bartra that earned a yellow card.
According to lip-reading, the winger told Gonzalo García that he needed more ball, saying, "This is impossible, they must pass the ball. Everyone here wants to dribble and then they boo me. Tell Gonzalo he must pass the ball, not always, but at least once."
Before being substituted, Alonso was clearly angry at Vinícius for how he pressed to win the ball from Betis, signaling frustration from the touchline.
DAZN cameras captured the moment as the coach yelled, "Oh my God, Viní! Come on, man! Press there!" adding, "Don’t stop pressing! Come on, once!" with obvious gestures from the technical area.
About ten minutes after these instructions, Alonso decided to replace Vinícius and Rodrygo with Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono.
Despite the earlier tension, the two players greeted each other with a normal handshake as they left the pitch, with no signs of a major public feud.
Gonzalo García then starred for Madrid, completing a hat-trick in a game also featuring goals from Raúl Asensio and Fran García, while Betis found the net through Cucho Hernández.
Match Conclusion and The Hat-Trick Hero
Real Madrid’s emphatic win showcased the team’s depth, even as sideline drama briefly stole the spotlight from the scoreline.
Hat-trick hero Gonzalo García delivered a standout performance in a game punctuated by creative moments and tactical intensity, while Betis battled to keep pace with the Spaniards’ rhythm.
Nevertheless, Madrid walked away with the three points, a statement win in a crowded title race, and a reminder that football is as much about the bench as it is about the starting XI.
PUNCHLINE 1: If drama sold tickets, this sideline saga would fund the stadium’s mortgage all by itself.
PUNCHLINE 2: In football, when the coach calls for pressure, sometimes the only thing that feels pressured is the whistle—and apparently the narrative spins faster than the ball.
