Alonso unconcerned by Vinicius' substitution anger
Vinicius Junior reacted angrily as he was taken off in Real Madrid's win over Espanyol, but Xabi Alonso is not concerned.
Xabi Alonso is not overly concerned by Vinicius Junior's frustrated reaction to being substituted off against Espanyol.
Real Madrid ran out 2-0 winners on Saturday, thanks ot stunning strikes from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It is now five wins from five in LaLiga for Alonso.
However, Madrid's victory did not come without drama, as Vinicius was visibly angry as he left the pitch in the 77th minute, having provided an assist for Mbappe's goal.
Alonso, though, defended the Brazilian.
He said: "Franco [Mastantuno] was also angry.
"It happens to everyone. I'm happy with Vini and Franco's game. We needed to change them because the season is very long."
Alonso was also bolstered by the returns of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga from the bench after both had spent time out with injury.
"It’s great news for everyone," said Alonso.
"First for them, then for the team. We need them. They’re top players, and for the upcoming season, we need everyone. Now we’ll have more options.
"It's great that we have so many opportunities. If I didn’t make decisions, I wouldn’t be here. The more I make the right ones, the better we’ll do. The season is very long; we’ve played five La Liga games, and six in the Champions League. We need to have these options."
Stretching back to last season, Madrid have now won their last eight league matches, which is their best run of form in LaLiga since the spring of 2024, and the level of control in their display delighted Alonso.
He added: "It was a convincing victory. The team played with seriousness, stability, and composure.
"Perhaps they lacked a bit of brilliance in the final third, a bit more creation, but the team was serious, without any difficulties.
“It was a brilliant rather than a solid victory. We were controlled, without any stressful situations. We didn’t concede any goals.
"Maybe it wasn’t the most enjoyable victory, but I like it. We controlled the second half well. A victory that will allow us to continue growing."
