Real Madrid manager, Xabi Alonso has provided clarity on his decision to leave star forward Vinicius Junior out of the starting lineup in Sunday’s 3-0 LaLiga victory over Real Oviedo.
Vinicius, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, began the match on the bench but later came on to score in the 90th minute, sealing the win after Kylian Mbappé had already netted a brace.
Alonso described the move as a tactical choice rather than one driven by injury or disciplinary reasons.
“Everyone is different, and you have to demand respect — relationships vary,” Alonso said post-match. “In football, decisions are made with the team in mind. That was the case today, and Vinicius understood that.”
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The win preserves Real Madrid’s perfect start to the season, with two victories from two matches. However, they currently sit third in the table behind Villarreal and Barcelona, trailing only on goal difference.
