Primary question at Bernabeu: What's with Vini?
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 20.09.25. | 16:25
"We'll see tomorrow," said Xabi Alonso yesterday. Is the Brazilian's spell at Madrid close to its end?
Last year, Vinicius Junior was a Ballon d'Or candidate. When he lost the race to Rodri, Real Madrid even boycotted the award ceremony. However, ever since Carlo Ancelotti left Los Blancos' bench and Xabi Alonso took over the job, Vini's status significantly changed.
One of the last straws was the beginning of Madrid's Champions League campaign against Marseille, in which the forward clocked only 28 minutes, while even the "cast-off" Rodrygo got a chance in the starting lineup.
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe has become essential for the team's attack and the "new young star in town," Franco Mastantuono, was terrific against the Ligue 1 side, so he could soon become a regular in the XI.
Alonso spoke about Vini in yesterday's press conference, but gave no concrete answer regarding the Brazilian's status ahead of today's duel against Espanyol (17.15).
Alonso on VinÃcius:
— Madrid ball (@Madridball1) September 19, 2025
"I see him in good condition. Yesterday was not the right time to speak with him, but today he seemed more positive and was smiling more. I spoke with him only briefly, and we did some individual exercises. Tomorrow we will see." pic.twitter.com/nYcwV7iAQp
"Yesterday I realized it wasn't the right time to talk to him, but today he had a better smile and was more positive. I spoke to him and ended up doing some individualized things with him during training. We'll see tomorrow," the strategist said via Marca.
Therefore, Madrid's clash against the Barcelona side could tell much more than Alonso did, but one thing is certain - Los Blancos won't have an easy task today, as Espanyol currently sit in third place after a terrific start to the season.
LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 5
Friday
Betis - Sociedad 3-1 (1-1)
/Hernandez 7, Remiro 49 og, Fornals 69 - Mendez 13/
Saturday
Girona - Levante IN PROGRESS
17.15: (1.20) Real Madrid (6.75) Espanyol (14.0)
19.30: (2.40) Alaves (3.20) Sevilla (3.40)
19.30: (1.60) Villareal (3.90) Osasuna (6.00)
22.00: (3.10) Valencia (3.15) Ath.Bilbao (2.60)
Sunday
15.00: (2.40) Rayo Vallecano (3.30) Celta (3.00)
17.15: (5.00) Mallorca (3.50) Atl.Madrid (1.75)
19.30: (2.00) Elche (3.30) Oviedo (4.00)
22.00: (1.23) Barcelona (6.75) Getafe (15.0)
*** odds are subject to change***
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