Vinicius Junior’s angry reaction after being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-1 Clasico win over Barcelona has caused fresh controversy.
The Brazilian was furious when Xabi Alonso replaced him in the 72nd minute, with the match delicately balanced at 2-1. He reportedly shouted, “I’m leaving this team,” before storming down the tunnel, later returning to the bench and clashing verbally with Lamine Yamal after full-time.
Despite his frustration, Vinicius was one of Madrid’s standout performers, tormenting Jules Kounde and inspiring the hosts to victory at the Bernabeu.
Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, Toni Kroos defended his former teammate, saying that no one could truly understand the emotions involved in a match of that magnitude.
“When you play an exceptional match, especially in a game like this, you’re not happy [to be substituted],” Kroos said. “You can always judge from the outside, but nobody can imagine that emotion. He’ll probably think later, ‘I can hold back the anger a little longer.’”
Kroos admitted the reaction wasn’t ideal but said such feelings are normal in “emotionally exceptional situations.”
[AS reports] that Madrid are “angry” with Vinicius over his outburst but will not fine or sanction the 25-year-old. The club is standing fully behind Alonso’s authority and will let the head coach handle the matter internally.
After the game, Alonso told reporters: “Vini’s character? There are different personalities in any dressing room. We’ll enjoy the win first, then have a conversation, for sure.”
Real Madrid now turn their focus to facing Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend before a demanding run of five consecutive away fixtures, including trips to Liverpool and Olympiacos in the Champions League.
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