Real Madrid wants to continue. After its burning success against Barça (2-1), the Merengue club returns to La Liga this Saturday evening against Valencia. A tricky duel, stuck between the fervor of the Clasico and the prospect of a perilous trip to Liverpool. Xabi Alonso continues to confuse the issue. The Spanish coach has prepared an eleven that is both daring and balanced, in which a major decision attracts all eyes: the one concerning Vinicius Jr, at the heart of an internal controversy for a week.
Vinicius Jr back in the starting lineup
The suspense is lifted: despite the tensions arising from the Clasico, Xabi Alonso decided to start Vinicius Jr against Valencia. The Brazilian winger, criticized for returning to the locker room furious after his substitution, therefore retains the confidence of his coach. A proof of appeasement, but also a message: talent takes precedence over moods. Vinicius will occupy the left lane, with Kylian Mbappé up front and Franco Mastantuono on the right. By choosing to give up, Alonso hopes to transform his attacker’s frustration into an offensive engine.
In front of Thibaut Courtois, the Spanish technician renews a new quartet: Valverde on the right side, Militao associated with Dean Huijsen in the axis, and Álvaro Carreras on the left side. In the middle, Eduardo Camavinga pays the costs of the rotation. The Tchouaméni–Bellingham–Güler trio will hold the reins of the game, combining volume, creativity and discipline. A strong tactical choice, three days before a European shock.
A decision full of symbols
This tenure of Vinicius, despite the Clasico episode, illustrates the Alonso method: managing egos without breaking the dynamic. The former Real midfielder knows that locker room cohesion also requires trust. This gesture could well ease tensions, while reviving an essential player in the Madrid system.
Faced with a relegated but unpredictable Valencia, Real Madrid must both secure the three points and heal the post-Clasico wounds. Xabi Alonso, faithful to his pragmatism, chooses to unite rather than punish. It remains to be seen whether Vinicius will return that trust on the pitch – with goals rather than grimaces.
