Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso backed Vinicius Jr. after sections of the Bernabeu crowd whistled at the Brazilian during Sunday’s 5-1 win over Real Betis, saying the winger remained vital to the team.
Vinicius, who scored 22 goals last season, has scored just five goals in all competitions this season and is goalless in his last 15 games.
The 25-year-old was booed by sections of the fans during Real’s 2-0 home win over Sevilla on December 20 and was sent off alongside Rodrygo, who provided two assists against Betis, in the 77th minute after a mixed reaction on Sunday.
But Alonso played down the situation.
«Vini contributed a lot. He came up very well; he was persistent and disruptive. I liked his performance, with everything he gave us. He will be crucial in the Super Cup,» Alonso told reporters.
«We understand the situation. Vinicius is an adult, and so are we. We have to respond. We are all here to support each other. We want to do our best.»
«Vini is and has been fundamental at Madrid and he will continue to be so. I am sure the Bernabéu will welcome him in the future, I have no doubt about that.»
ALONSO GREETS GARCIA
Gonzalo Garcia seized his opportunity to score a hat-trick in the absence of the injured Kylian Mbappe to emphatically help Real beat Betis, with Alonso praising the 21-year-old forward’s attitude and performance.
Garcia, who brightened last year’s FIFA Club World Cup with four goals, was named in the starting line-up after La Liga top scorer Mbappe was sidelined with a knee injury.
Unfazed by the pressure, Garcia helped reduce Real’s deficit to leaders Barcelona to four points. Alonso’s side, who topped the league before the recession in November, now have 45 points from 19 games, second behind defending champions Barcelona.
READ ALSO: Barcelona boss Flick greets Garcia after goalkeeper shines against former club Espanyol
«Gonzalo obviously had a dream match for him at the Bernabeu in his first season, where he scored a hat-trick,» Alonso told reporters.
«He wanted to score… I am very happy for him, for the daily work he does. When he plays and when he doesn’t play, he has an impressive attitude. He is a good example of what a Madrid youth player is. I congratulate him very much; he deserves the opportunity. I encourage him to keep going.»
«Nowadays, football requires you to work as a team, with and without the ball. The attackers provide the pressure. Gonzalo understands that very well. And when you add his defensive quality to his goals, it’s great.»
When asked if Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo and Garcia could all fit together, Alonso replied: «Why not? It’s my decision. There are a lot of games, we will have to see how things go and what is needed. Nothing should be ruled out.»
Real will face city rivals Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday.
Published on January 5, 2026
