Vinicius Jr Starts on the Bench: Real Madrid Coach Explains Decision in 3-0 Win Over Real Oviedo
- Vinicius Junior responded to his unusual role as a bit-part player in style, coming on to score and set up Kylian Mbappe
- Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso later explained his decision to leave the Brazilian out of the starting lineup
- Whether this proves to be a one-time call or a recurring tactic remains to be seen as the 2025/26 season progresses
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Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso has opened up on why Vinicius Junior did not start in their convincing victory over Real Oviedo in La Liga.
The Brazilian forward, who finished as runner-up in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race, was left out of the starting XI in favour of his compatriot Rodrygo Goes.
Rodrygo, himself, has been linked with a possible move away this summer, but Alonso opted to hand him the nod.
Source: Getty Images
Despite starting on the bench, Vinicius made sure his presence was felt once introduced.
In just 28 minutes on the pitch, he scored one goal and set up another, sealing Madrid’s second straight win of the new campaign.
The 24-year-old also registered 14 touches, completed five of his six passes with 83 per cent accuracy, created one big chance and made a key pass.
His lively cameo earned him an impressive 8.4 rating from sports analytics outlet Sofascore.
The real reason Vinicius was benched
When asked why such an influential player began the game as a substitute, Alonso offered a measured response that highlighted his team-first philosophy.
"In football, you make decisions thinking about the team, and today it was like that," Alonso told ESPN.
"Changes from game to game depend on what we need in terms of our play, the effort and the opponent. We want people to feel important and be prepared to start, or come off the bench, or be ready for the next game.
"Sometimes it's starting and being important, sometimes it's having a few minutes and being important, and Vinicius was today. That will be the story all year."
Source: Getty Images
Back-to-back wins have reignited belief, leaving Los Blancos level on points with Thomas Partey’s Villarreal and rivals Barcelona at the summit.
Focus now turns to their next La Liga fixture, as they host Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu on August 30, aiming to keep their flawless run alive.
Is Vinicius leaving Real Madrid?
Vini Jr's latest display might influence the club’s reported plans to consider offloading him amid ongoing concerns about his wage demands.
The Brazilian is reportedly using Kylian Mbappe’s hefty signing bonus from last summer as his benchmark.
Speculation around his future intensified when he quietly removed the club’s name from his bio and unpinned several memorable posts, including photos in the iconic white shirt and Champions League celebrations.
Although Vini’s contract talks remain unresolved, Real Madrid seem to be finding their stride under Xabi Alonso after a trophyless campaign with Carlo Ancelotti.
Xabi Alonso fires warning to Vinicius and Mbappe
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Xabi Alonso delivered a strong warning to his star duo, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
He stressed that his philosophy for the team goes beyond pure attacking flair.
Alonso issued the blunt message during his pre-match press conference ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup showdown with Red Bull Salzburg.
Source: YEN.com.gh
