Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavs on December 15 delivered more than just three La Liga points. It also offered a timely moment of calm in what has been an up-and-down season for Xabi Alonso in his first campaign as the club’s head coach. The victory came as a welcome response after Madrid’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, a result that had once again intensified scrutiny around the team and its manager.
Amid that backdrop, a late-game moment between Alonso and Vincius Jr quietly stole attention. In the 89th minute, with Madrid protecting their lead, Alonso opted to substitute the Brazilian winger. As Vincius made his way to the touchline, he paused to share a warm hug with his manager, a gesture that quickly cut through ongoing speculation about a strained relationship between the two.
Vincius had been central to Madrid’s attacking play throughout the contest. Starting the match and carrying constant threat down the flank, he provided the assist for the decisive goal, setting up Rodrygo to finish late on. The substitution that followed might once have triggered visible frustration, but instead, the response reflected a growing sense of understanding between player and coach.
Speaking after the match to GSFN, Alonso addressed the moment directly, using it to underline the unity within the squad.
“The hug with Vini? Inside the dressing room, we’re actually very united. There’s a lot of noise from outside.”
The comment felt particularly relevant given the turbulence of Madrid’s season so far. Alonso’s tenure has been marked by tactical adjustments, injury setbacks and fluctuating results, all of which have invited constant external judgment. Yet the Alaves win, coming so soon after the setback against Manchester City, offered a degree of relief and a chance to steady momentum domestically.
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