Xabi Alonso earns first El Clásico win as Real Madrid manager amid Vinícius Júnior’s furious outburst

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has claimed his first-ever El Clásico victory, leading his side to a thrilling 2-1 win over Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu—a defining moment in his young managerial career.

The match saw Kylian Mbappé open the scoring before Jude Bellingham, once again proving decisive in the rivalry, netted his third career winner against Barcelona to seal all three points.

The night, however, wasn’t without drama. Star winger Vinícius Júnior, who had been one of Madrid’s brightest players throughout the contest, was substituted around the 75th minute and reacted furiously on the touchline.

Cameras captured the Brazilian kicking water bottles and storming down the tunnel, visibly frustrated at being withdrawn despite his strong showing.

Alonso, addressing the incident in his post-match press conference, praised Vinícius’s intensity and contribution, describing him as “a player who gives everything for the badge.” But he also made it clear that the emotional outburst would be handled internally, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and team unity.

The win not only cements Real Madrid’s position at the top of the La Liga table, but also signals Alonso’s growing authority as a tactician capable of managing egos and maintaining balance in a star-studded dressing room. His calm demeanor on the sidelines contrasted sharply with the emotional volatility of the match—a hallmark of El Clásico’s enduring rivalry.

Meanwhile, fans on social media have been divided over Vinícius’s reaction. Some defended his passion and competitiveness, while others criticized the display as disrespectful to both Alonso and the team. Still, the result overshadowed the controversy, as Madrid supporters celebrated a performance that combined tactical discipline with flashes of brilliance from their global stars.

For Alonso, this victory marks not just a milestone in his managerial journey but also a statement of intent—that under his leadership, Real Madrid’s next era of dominance may already be underway.