For the most part, we are still in what many would refer to as the "early days" of the 2025/26 season, and we are very much in the early days of the new Xabi Alonso era at Real Madrid. However, there has been no shortage of news and headlines surrounding Los Blancos so far this season.
Whether it's Kylian Mbappé's incredible start to the season or Real Madrid's huge win over rivals Barcelona, there is always something to talk about when it comes to Xabi Alonso's men, for better or for worse. This week, the major talking point surrounds this past weekend's El Clásico victory, but not so much for the win, but for one player's actions during the game.
Vini Jr was substituted by Xabi Alonso in the 72nd minute for Rodrygo and showed his frustrations with the decision, yelling at the manager before storming off down the tunnel before coming back to the bench a few minutes later.
The Brazilian was having an incredible game, bringing many to question what warranted him being replaced when he was Real's biggest attacking threat. This isn't the first time this season we've seen moments of disagreement between Vini and Xabi Alonso, and according to recent reports, the new manager may have already made the biggest mistake of his early managerial career at Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso can't keep pushing the fatal Vini Jr mistake to the side
As reported by ESPN, following the incident during El Clásico, the relationship between Vini Jr and Xabi Alonso has become more strained than it previously was, which could cause the player to question his future at the club.
As mentioned earlier, we've seen several incidents involving the manager and the Brazilian in the early days of the season. Xabi Alonso has left Vinicius out of the starting lineup on three different occasions this season, and much like in the Clasico has subbed the Brazilian while having a great performance.
The report suggests that the relationship between the two hasn't completely fallen apart but only become strained, the players camp feel he is not a favorite of Xabi Alonso. The two are set for a face-to-face talk when the team returns to training on Wednesday.
Vini has been receiving loads of criticism this season, much of which is unjust when looking at his performances for Los Blancos. He's bagged five goals and four assists in La Liga this season and has put in some huge performances, like his performance against Barcelona. The Brazilian is out of contract in 2027, and this latest incident could play a major part in the coming extension talks in the future.