And yet Real Madrid is there, exactly where it is expected to be: in first place in the La Liga standings, with one point more than Barcelona. But in the last week there has been a second draw in a row and the game is not improving. And, apparently, neither is the relationship between the dressing room and coach Xabi Alonso. Thus, in Spain, there are increasingly more voices according to which some players would like to dismiss the coach. And then there is the case of Vinicius Junior, unhappy and one step away from leaving.
Bellingham's 87th-minute goal that saved the Whites from defeat at Elche (and which comes after a 0-0 draw at Rayo Vallecano) may have averted even greater trouble, but the Iberian media are openly talking about a "real fight": fans are furious, as Ok Diario reports, but part of the dressing room would also be in a state of war, unconvinced by the management of the group by Xabi Alonso. The former Bayer Leverkusen coach would not be in danger, at least for the club, but it seems clear that there are important differences with some players.
"Unhappy" is an understatement when it comes to Vinicius Junior: the Brazilian winger is on very bad terms with the coach after being substituted in El Clasico against Barcelona: an act of "insult to the majesty", apparently, that has led the player to openly contest the coach's choice. And according to The Athletic, Vinicius would have communicated to Real's directors that he does not want to renew his contract, which expires in 2027. At least as long as Xabi Alonso continues to sit on the Blancos bench.
The tense stories between the two date back to the Club World Cup: in the semi-final lost against PSG, the Spanish coach had decided not to start Vinicius among the starters, but was then forced to change his mind due to Alexander-Arnold's injury: the Brazilian ended up playing, but as a right winger and out of position.
Thus, between tactical misunderstandings, difficulties of coexistence on the field with his teammates and the consideration of the coach, it seems that Vini is seriously considering leaving. Negotiations for the renewal of the contract were blocked since the beginning of the year due to the demands of his entourage: the Brazilian currently has a salary of 18 million, Real offered 20, but he wanted more. And the hypothesis of a departure is not at all far-fetched.