La Liga 2025-26: Alonso is at Shock Vinicius Benching as Real Madrid Haardt Perfect Start

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso doubled his decision to let the Brazilian winger Vinicius JR out of his starting line-up, and insists that each player has to fight for his place despite the FIFA World Player of the Year’s Heroics from the bank.

The move threw off last Sunday when Vinicius came up as a replacement to help Real Madrid win 3-0 at Oviedo, which helped Mbappe’s second goal before he walked himself.

Real Madrid is a joint top of La Liga with four other teams after winning both opening matches, setting up Saturday’s collision with struggling Mallorca, who is 16th with one point from two games.

When asked about the impact of the Aren of such a controversial player, Alonso was not surprised.

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«In the dressing room, the most important thing is that everyone is willing to contribute, whether it is on the field,» he told a press conference on Friday. «Really believing in this is fundamental. And here, everyone does that.»

The boss of Real Madrid has praised the reaction of the Brazilian. «I am very happy with Vini. He showed against Oviedo that he can have a big impact of the couch. We have just started … and he is getting crucial.»

Alonso also supported Rodrygo, who replaced Vinicius on the left wing for his first start since their club World Cup collision against Al Hilal in June.

«He performed at his best in different positions. He played as nine and even a 10. But I think the left wing is a very good position for him,» Alonso said.

However, the Spaniard did not announce whether Rodrygo would go for Vinicius again this weekend.

«It would not be very smart of me to tell you what I’m going to do, to place him again as a starter or on the left wing,» he said laughing. «We’ll see tomorrow.»

Published on August 29, 2025