Vini Jr. and Rodrygo: two dilemmas Xabi Alonso must solve at Real Madrid | OneFootball

Although the change in direction led by coach Xabi Alonso seems to be bearing fruit for Real Madrid, which won both matches in the Spanish championship, the former midfielder faces two urgent issues: Vinicius Junior's attitude and Rodrygo's claim.

Against Oviedo, Alonso made a decision on Sunday that his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti, refused to implement last season, in which the team only won minor trophies. The Basque coach relegated Vinicius to the bench.

Alonso's decision did not leave the Brazilian forward unfazed, once again under the spotlight for his behavior, which will be analyzed on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu against Mallorca, in the third round of LaLiga.

“In football, you need to understand things; decisions are made with the team in mind. Today (Sunday) was like that,” Alonso said about benching Vinicius. The player entered the field in the 63rd minute, provoking boos at the Carlos Tartiere stadium, as he did whenever he touched the ball.

On the field, Vinicius simulated a penalty, which earned him a yellow card, shortly before stealing the ball and assisting Frenchman Kylian Mbappé's goal (2-0). But instead of celebrating, the left winger retaliated against the verbal offenses he allegedly received from the Asturian fans, who also threw a bottle in his direction.

At that moment, the unprecedented scene of Mbappé having to cover his teammate's mouth to prevent a possible expulsion occurred. However, the confrontation continued. Vinicius scored Real Madrid's third goal, which he celebrated by making a gesture indicating relegation to the second division with his fingers, which irritated the fans.

After Real Madrid's victory, the Brazilian reacted with a message on his social media, accompanied by an image of him celebrating the goal: “I am like this.” The substitution of number 7 for his compatriot Rodrygo — neither of whom was called up by Ancelotti to play for the Brazilian national team in the upcoming matches — was Alonso's first warning.

According to press reports, Rodrygo, 24, who was the subject of transfer speculation to another club this European summer, decided to stay and fight for a spot on the left wing, his natural position and the one he believes he is most useful in.

In other matches, Atlético de Madrid, in 13th place with only one point, will seek their first victory in the championship also on Saturday, against Alavés in Vitoria, while Barcelona will fight for their third consecutive victory against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in the Spanish capital.

Barça has yet to register Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, defender Gerard Martín, and Swede Roony Bardghji due to a violation of financial fair play.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.