Just when calm was expected to prevail after a resounding away victory, a crisis erupted within Real Madrid, which could potentially alter the starting lineup for the upcoming rounds.
The mood initially seemed overwhelmingly positive following a 3–0 win over Real Oviedo, where Kylian Mbappé stole the spotlight with two spectacular goals. Another standout performer emerged as well, restoring balance to the attack and creating new tensions within the coaching staff.
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However, behind the scenes, something unexpected unfolded. Unforeseen tactical decisions and controversial behavior from one of the team’s most prominent players prompted Xabi Alonso to step in and act decisively.
The surprise came in the form of Vinícius Júnior, who entered as a second-half substitute but didn’t need long to make a decisive impact. He set up Mbappé’s second goal brilliantly and sealed the match with a third during stoppage time, confirming his impressive return to form.
This standout performance compelled Alonso to reinstate Vinícius in the starting lineup for the next fixture, viewing him as an irreplaceable tactical asset at this stage.
Conversely, Rodrygo’s unjustified reaction to being substituted angered the coaching staff, who made their dissatisfaction clear. Alonso viewed the outburst as a serious breach of discipline. As a result, the firm decision was made: Rodrygo would be temporarily dropped from the starting XI until he demonstrates the required level of commitment and discipline.
Despite the internal tension, Real Madrid now sits atop the La Liga table with six points, level with Barcelona, after just two rounds of the campaign. Still, these developments could reshape the competitive dynamics within the squad at a particularly sensitive point in the season, both domestically and in Europe.
All eyes now turn to the next fixture, where Alonso’s lineup choices will be under close scrutiny. The question remains: will these bold decisions lead to continued stability and victories, or will they reignite controversy within the club?
