Real Madrid beat Barcelona to ensure Xabi Alonso won his first Clasico as manager of the club but there were distractions – not least when it came to Vinicius Junior
Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior told manager Xabi Alonso “it’s better that I go” after his latest flashpoint at the Bernabeu. it has been claimed. The Brazilian forward’s future has been the topic of debate since Alonso took over from Carlo Ancelotti, and that didn’t change during Sunday’s Clasico.
Madrid beat Barcelona at the Bernabeu, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham getting the goals in a 2-1 victory. Vinicius Junior went off roughly 20 minutes from time, though and it wasn’t the first time this season he has been sacrificed.
The former Flamengo star has five goals and four assists in La Liga this season, after posting double-figures in both categories last term. He has completed the full 90 minutes just three times, though, and has occasionally only been used from the bench in the league and Champions League.
This doesn’t appear to have gone down well with the 25-year-old. “Me, it’s always me, I’m leaving the team, it’s better that I go,” he is reported to have said.
It remains to be seen whether there are repercussions on the pitch for the South American. Real Madrid are back in action next weekend against Valencia, with a Champions League trip to Liverpool just a few days after that.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney comments on Jude Bellingham speak volumes after winning Marcus Rashford battleREAD MORE: Real Madrid handed controversial red card verdict after Arsene Wenger assessment
Alonso was asked about Vinicius after the game but didn’t want to detract from his team’s performance. “I’m taking away a lot of positives from Vini Jr.’s performance and I don’t want to lose sight of what’s important,” the manager said.
“He contributed a lot. It’s an important, deserved victory, that could have been wider given the chances we had and the penalty. Regaining the feeling of being a competitive team in big games is important.
“All coaches know that there are different personalities. Now we’ll enjoy it and, when the time comes, we’ll talk about these things in the dressing room, of course.”
One man who definitely won’t play a part for Madrid this weekend is Dani Carvajal. The right-back is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury, with early reports suggesting he is unlikely to return to action before the turn of the year.
“Following tests carried out on our captain Dani Carvajal by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with the presence of a loose body in his right knee joint. Carvajal will now undergo an arthroscopy,” the club said in a statement.
Carvajal’s fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has only just returned from an injury lay-off of his own. The England international was back on the bench for the Clasico and could play a part against former club Liverpool next week.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

