Real Madrid maintained their ascendency in La Liga as they registered a 2-1 win over Barcelona in season’s first El Clasico.
Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham were on the scoresheet for Real Madrid as they went five points clear off Barcelona atop of La Liga points table after 10 league games.
Things could have been worse for the visitors as they hardly had any answers to the questions asked by Los Blancos.
Wojciech Szczesny was Barcelona’s best player as the Polish goalkeeper made some exceptional saves including Mbappe penalty kick to keep his team in the game.
Just like most Real Madrid players, Vinicius Junior also had a great game as he combined with Mbappe and wreaked havoc for the Barcelona defenders.
However, the Brazilian was subbed off by Xabi Alonso in the 72nd minute and his rather unpleasant reaction to the decision drew a lot of controversy.
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It has reportedly soured the relationship between Vinicius and Alonso in an otherwise happy dressing room more jubilant after a flawless El Clasico triumph.
Following the game, former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has defended his former teammate whilst also admitting that he could have avoided it.
At first, Vinicius walked down the tunnel at Santiago Bernabeu after getting substituted for Rodrygo but he later returned to the Real Madrid bench and was also seen during the verbal brawl at the end of the game.
Reacting to Vinicius’ actions in the El Clasico, Kroos shared his opinion on his podcast, “When you play an exceptional match, especially in a game like this, you’re not happy. I never liked being substituted either. But to be fair, I’ve never gone straight to the dressing room afterward.
“You can always judge from the outside, but I like to keep in mind that, in reality no one, except those who are there, in a Clasico and in front of 80,000 spectators with the score 2-1, knows that one wants anything but to leave. Nobody can judge or imagine that emotion. Or often, most of those who judge it simply cannot put themselves in his position.
“In the cold light of day and with a bit of distance, he’ll probably think: ‘Well, I can hold back the anger a little longer.’ He could keep his anger to himself a little more. I understand his anger, but as you can see in the images, it’s not conveyed in the ideal way. Even so, I want to point out that it’s an emotionally exceptional situation to be down there in a match like that. I’ve experienced it many times, so you don’t always have to take everything so seriously. Coaches don’t usually do that either. Especially those who used to be players.”
Real Madrid won’t sanction Vinicius Jr. for his actions
According to reports via AS, Real Madrid have decided not to place any sanctions on Vinicius for throwing a tantrum after getting substituted in the 72nd minute of El Classico.
The club won’t impose any bans, fines or take any disciplinary action for his reaction as they believe that it is matter between the Brazilian and Alonso and expect them to resolve it in no time.
While there are reports that Real Madrid management didn’t expect the Brazilian substitution, there are fully backing Alonso on his decision.
Following the win, Alonso was asked about the 25-year-old winger’s reaction after getting substituted, the Spaniard replied, “Vini’s character? There are different personalities in any dressing room. Right now, we will enjoy the win, then we’ll have a conversation, for sure.
Despite the controversy around his reaction, Vinicius continues to be a key player for Real Madrid and also a positive member in the dressing room as most people understand his frustration in such a crunch game.