Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior has held talks with manager Xabi Alonso and Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti following his reaction to being substituted during El Clasico. The discussions addressed his behavior in the win over Barcelona on October 26. The matter is now resolved ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Liverpool.
Vinicius Junior reacted petulantly when substituted by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute during Real Madrid's Clasico victory over Barcelona at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. He was also booked after an on-pitch altercation following the final whistle. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Vinicius at Real Madrid from 2021 until the end of last season, spoke to the 25-year-old about the incident.
“I spoke with Vinicius about the incident, about his reaction,” Ancelotti said. “I told him what I thought, that it was a mistake. He apologised and it’s a closed matter. He’s a very important player and has no problems here, nor at his club, with his coach.” Ancelotti has included Vinicius in Brazil's squad for friendlies against Senegal on November 15 in London and Tunisia on November 18 in Lille. He emphasized their good relationship, noting that Vinicius keeps him informed about events.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso confirmed the resolution after a conversation on Friday. “It was important to me that we talked about it on Friday and it’s been resolved. These things can happen but we don’t want them to happen again,” Alonso said. Vinicius, the 2024 Ballon d’Or runner-up, was substituted again during Real Madrid's 4-0 home win over Valencia on Saturday and played down the incidents in a post-game club interview.
The forward is set to start in Real Madrid's Champions League league phase match against Liverpool on Tuesday, November 4, at 20:00 GMT. Alonso, who won the 2004/05 Champions League with Liverpool, described the fixture as a "classic of European football." Liverpool's recent Champions League results include a 3-2 home win over Atleti on September 17, a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray on September 30, and a 5-1 win at Frankfurt on October 22.