Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, January 05, 2026, 2:21 p.m. / Updated Monday, January 5, 2026, 2:24 p.m.
Brazilian Vinicius jr was left without a goal or assist in Real – Betis 5-1 and was substituted in the 77th minute.
“Vini”, as Real Madrid fans used to cheer him, hit new lows on Sunday. For the 15th time this season in La Liga, the Brazilian failed to score. For the third consecutive time, he was replaced by coach Xabi Alonso (44). And just as importantly, he was booed again by the fans as he left the field.
Xabi Alonso: “Vinicius was very dangerous, especially in the first half”
Although his substitution, in the 77th minute, is the best proof that he did not like how he presented himself, coach Xabi Alonso came to his defense. “I think Vinicius contributed a lot to our game today. He started well and caused Ortiz's yellow card, forcing Betis to make an early change at right-back. Vini was very dangerous, especially in the first half,” commented the Basque coach at the press conference.
Alonso also spoke about the whistles aimed at his keeper: “We are all adults, Vini is an adult. He was, is and will be an indispensable part of Real Madrid. I'm sure the Bernabéu will cheer him on again at some point, I have no doubt about that.”
Xabi Alonso: “Vinicius plays for the team. He will be fundamental in the Super Cup”
This season, Vinicius has scored just five goals and provided eight assists in 25 appearances for Real, but the coach is pleased and wanted to point out that the Brazilian “is still playing for the team. I personally liked Vinicius' performance today. Now he will be fundamental for us, starting with the Super Cup against Atletico.”
Real face their local rivals on Thursday in Saudi Arabia in the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup and have a revenge to take after the humiliation they suffered in the championship round. Then, Atletico Madrid beat the galacticos 5-2, at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Federico Valverde also supports Vinicius jr
Vinicius also received support from teammate Federico Valverde. The Uruguayan posted a photo of his son alongside the Brazilian after the win and accompanied it with the message “The Valverde family will always love and admire you, Vini Jr.” Before the match, during the warm-up, the Brazilian went to Valverde's son and hugged him.
Valverde and Vinicius have been at Real Madrid since 2018 and have already played together 280 times.
