Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior apologised on social media after angrily reacting to being substituted in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Barcelona.
The Brazilian forward reacted angrily to being taken off by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, who sought to strengthen his side’s defence as the clock wound down on the game they were winning.
Cameras captured Vinícius visibly frustrated when the manager replaced him in the 71st minute.
Then he stormed down the tunnel and later returned to the bench, where he was booked for his involvement in clashes that followed the final whistle. The incident followed heated exchanges earlier in the match, including remarks by Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal that helped stoke tempers.
“Today I want to apologize to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clásico,” Vinicius said on his X account.
“Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team.”
Alonso said after the match that “we’ll talk about it” but emphasised Vinícius’s positive contribution to a key victory.
Club sources told ESPN the matter was handled internally and Real Madrid will not impose formal punishment.
Several outlets, meanwhile, have reported that the episode has added strain to an already frayed relationship between the player and coaching staff.
Vinícius’s apology stressed his passion for the club and said he had already apologised to teammates and officials in person.
“My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents”, his apology continued. “I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day.”
Real Madrid now faces the task of keeping a high-performing but combative superstar focused as the season continues.
