Xabi Alonso Reveals Why He Benched Vinicius Jr in Shocking Champions League Decision
Xabi Alonso dismissed any deeper meaning behind leaving Vinicius Junior on the bench for Real Madrid's opening Champions League fixture against Marseille on Tuesday, emphasizing that he "requires" all squad members at his disposal.
The Brazilian winger started the game as a substitute, only entering the action during the second half's midpoint. Alonso had chosen to field Rodrygo and Franco Mastantuono on the flanks instead, with Arda Güler operating as the playmaker behind striker Kylian Mbappé.
Vinicius made a meaningful contribution upon his introduction, with the score level at 1–1 following Timothy Weah's opener being equalized by Mbappé's spot-kick. The Brazilian nearly secured victory before Mbappé's second penalty ultimately did.
Alonso clarified that squad rotation was the sole reason for his somewhat unexpected lineup choices, denying any intentional slight toward the 2024 Ballon d'Or second-place finisher or other players.
"We require Vini, Rodrygo, Franco, Brahim [Díaz]," Alonso emphasized when questioned by the media. "Any private discussions remain at Valdebebas [Madrid's training facility] or within the locker room.
"Everyone will have their opportunities [to feature]. No one should take offense at missing a single match, given how packed our schedule is."
Endrick was unavailable for the Marseille clash due to injury, while attacking teammate Gonzalo García joined Vinicius on the substitutes' bench but remained unused. Jude Bellingham's comeback is also approaching. The long-term casualty was included in a matchday squad for the first time since undergoing summer surgery for a chronic shoulder problem. The English midfielder didn't feature on this night, but certainly will in the near future.
Madrid return to action on Saturday when Espanyol travels to the Bernabéu for a La Liga encounter, followed by several rapid turnarounds as they face Levante, Atlético Madrid and Kairat Almaty in September's remaining fixtures. The final opponent requires an 8,000-mile journey practically to China's western frontier and back.