Vinícius Clashes with Xabi Alonso Over Lack of Passes from Teammates

During Real Madrid's 5-1 victory over Real Betis on January 4, 2026, television cameras from El Día Después captured a heated exchange between Vinícius Júnior and manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian winger, who was eventually substituted in the 77th minute, expressed audible frustration regarding the lack of service from his teammates. Specifically, lip-readers identified Vinícius complaining about young striker Gonzalo García, who stole the spotlight with a hat-trick in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappé. "Tell Gonzalo he has to pass it once—not every time, but at least once," Vinícius reportedly urged Alonso, visibly agitated by the Bernabéu crowd's whistles.

The tension on the touchline was not limited to offensive grievances. Earlier in the match, DAZN footage showed Xabi Alonso growing increasingly frustrated with Vinícius’s perceived lack of defensive intensity. The manager was seen gesturing wildly and shouting, "Vini, please! Go up! Press!" as Betis attempted to build from the back. Alonso’s demands for a high-press system appeared to clash with Vinícius's game state, as the winger seemed more focused on the criticism he was receiving from the stands than on his tactical responsibilities.

Despite the visible friction during the match, the post-game narrative was one of reconciliation. When Vinícius was replaced by Arda Güler, he and Alonso shared a professional handshake, and in the post-match press conference, Alonso was quick to defend his star player. "Vini contributed a lot; he was persistent and disruptive," Alonso stated, downplaying the whistles from the crowd. While the manager lauded Gonzalo García’s "dream match," he emphasized that Vinícius remains "fundamental" to the team’s success as they prepare for the upcoming Supercopa de España.

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