Vinicius Proves Himself To Take The Main Place Again At Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior responded to coach Xabi Alonso's decision to back him up by scoring in stoppage time - after providing assists for Kylian Mbappe - in Real Madrid's victory over Real Oviedo 3-0 on Monday, August 25, 2025, early morning WIB.
Vinicius was only added in the 63rd minute to replace Rodrygo when Los Blancos were 1-0 up through Mbappe's goal in the first half.
The Brazil National Team (Timnas) player then cleverly provided Mbappe with a pass for his second goal that night at Carlos Tartiere Stadium, before he finally scored Real Madrid's third goal in injury time.
Vinicius reacted angrily after providing assists for Mbappe's second goal. He seemed to scream at referee Ricardo de Burgos before Mbappe covered his mouth with his hand.
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The attacker then celebrated his goal in the 93rd minute, facing Oviedo supporters.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up was not included in the starting eleven after failing to appear impressive in the opening match of La Liga 2025/2026 against Osasuna on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
"Vini played well when he came in. He was decisive in those two goals. We are happy with the players who started and came off the bench. There will be a lot of games for everyone," Alonso said in a press conference after the match.
Alonso has also considered holding Vinicius back for the 2025 Club World Cup semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain this summer. However, he finally changed the plan.
"In football, you make decisions by thinking about the team. Today it is like that. Changes from one game to another depend on what we need in terms of games, business, and opponents."
"We want the players to feel important and ready to start, or get off the bench, or be ready for the next game."
"Sometimes it starts and becomes important, sometimes plays for a few minutes and becomes important. Vinicius does it today. That's what will be the story of the whole year," said Alonso.
Meanwhile, before the match against Oviedo, ESPN reported that talks about Vinicius' new contract were currently still deadlocked - with his contract coming to an end in June 2027.