The relationship between Xabi Alonso and Vinicius has gone through moments of tension that hinted at possible friction. From the very start of his time on the bench, the coach made it clear to the Brazilian that a guaranteed starting role would not be granted to anyone, a status seemingly reserved only for Courtois and Mbappé.

After weeks of speculation, the situation came to a head on October 26 during the Clásico, when Vinicius was substituted by Rodrygo. From that moment until December 14 in Vitoria, where the two crossed paths again, everything unfolded between those two contrasting scenes. Two images, separated by weeks, that tell very different stories.

The differences

1) At the Bernabéu, after being taken off in the 72nd minute, Vinicius reacted with visible frustration, gesturing angrily as he left the pitch. In Vitoria, his exit was calm and composed.

2) In Madrid, Vinicius reached the sideline, greeted Rodrygo, and walked past Xabi Alonso without acknowledging him, leaving the coach visibly surprised. In Vitoria, the Brazilian approached Alonso directly and embraced him.

3) During the Clásico, Vinicius headed straight for the tunnel toward the dressing room. In Vitoria, he took the time to greet every teammate on the bench before sitting down.

4) Context also matters. At the Bernabéu, after a strong first half but without scoring, Vinicius felt he still had time to continue with the score at 2–1. In Vitoria, after a more discreet performance, he had already played a decisive role by creating the move that led to the 1–2 goal and drawing a clear penalty that went unawarded. By the 89th minute, his job was done.

5) Even the outfits reflected the contrast. At home, Vinicius wore short sleeves. In Vitoria, one of the coldest grounds in LaLiga, he opted for heavier gear. Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, remained faithful to his usual look: navy blue attire and white sneakers.

Vitoria, the setting of a victory that felt like a much-needed boost for Real Madrid, also became the stage for an embrace that went beyond a simple gesture. How significant this moment will be, and how long its effects will last, remains to be seen.

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