Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has personally intervened to calm the growing tension between manager Xabi Alonso and star winger Vinicius Jr., following a controversial substitution during last weekend’s El Clasico.

According to COPE and reports from SPORT, the situation escalated after Alonso replaced Vinicius with Rodrygo in the 72nd minute, a decision that visibly frustrated the Brazilian forward and raised concerns about locker room harmony.

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Vinicius Jr.’s Frustration and Apology

Vinicius’s reaction on the sidelines reportedly strained his relationship with Alonso, with sources describing communication between the two as nearly “non-existent.” Despite the tension, the Brazilian winger has made a public effort to mend fences with Real Madrid supporters, issuing a heartfelt apology:

“I promise to continue fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one.”

This statement underlines Vinicius’s commitment to the club, while signaling his willingness to rebuild trust with the manager.

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Florentino Pérez Intervenes

In a decisive move, Pérez visited Valdebebas on Wednesday to address the situation directly. His presence reportedly encouraged a “start of conversation” between Alonso and Vinicius, though sources caution that the relationship remains delicate and differences are still significant.

The intervention highlights the club hierarchy’s determination to maintain unity, particularly ahead of upcoming La Liga fixtures, with Real Madrid set to face Valencia next. Pérez’s involvement reinforces the club’s priority: ensuring on-field performance is not impacted by internal conflicts.

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Implications for Real Madrid

The Alonso-Vinicius tension underscores the challenges managers face when handling high-profile players. While the situation appears to be improving, all eyes will be on Alonso’s selections in the coming matches and Vinicius’s response on the pitch.

Maintaining harmony between coaching staff and star players is crucial for Real Madrid as they pursue both domestic and European success in the 2025 season.