The upcoming question surrounding the Vini Jr-Xabi Alonso relationship

Starter or substitute — that’s the question. For Vinicius, of course. This Saturday, against Valencia (3:00 PM ET). Because after the fire, this isn’t just another game. Not for the Brazilian, and not for Xabi Alonso. It will be on December 1st (after El Clásico).

At first glance, peace seems to have been restored, with his teammates, the club, and the president, whom he mentioned in his apology. Even with Xabi, despite not being named in the letter. The two met during training, and the encounter was cordial and professional. Still, the matter isn’t closed. It will be settled on the pitch. If there’s to be a sanction, it’ll happen there. The club is urging the coach to make the appropriate decision. And Valencia could end up being either a pardon... or an alibi in the case.

If Vinicius starts on the bench, it would certainly spark discussion, but it wouldn’t tell the full story. This is a crucial match, a poisoned chalice, as they all are, especially against Valencia. But under the Bernabéu roof, nestled between two giants, Barcelona and Liverpool, it feels a little less so.

It looked, and still looks, like a good chance to rotate within a packed schedule, the kind of match where seeing Rodrygo in the starting XI wouldn’t have been surprising. Not before the earthquake caused by that now-famous 72nd-minute substitution. Nor now, even if it would raise some eyebrows. A hint of punishment, perhaps; a punishment disguised as rotation.

The club stands firmly behind Xabi — his choices, the ones he made against Barcelona, and the ones he’ll make from now on, including regarding Vinicius. That means there will be no internal disciplinary action. If the club had wanted to, it could have imposed one.

Its own code of ethics states: “Actions that demonstrate or cause damage or harm to the image and/or reputation of Real Madrid athletes.” But they chose not to apply it. What happens on the field stays on the field — or in the locker room. Everything now depends on those player-coach conversations, on the conclusions both draw, especially Xabi. And the real judgment won’t come on Saturday, but on Tuesday at 3:00 PM ET. Valencia may be an alibi, and the pre-match press conference just an appetizer — but Anfield will deliver the verdict.

The fire ignited in the Clásico, though the sparks had been flying for a while. It stems from Vinicius’s previously undisputed starting role, his three substitute appearances in 13 matches, just three full games out of 10 starts, and five substitutions around the 70th minute.

But that last one — the 72nd-minute change — turned embers into flames. “Me? Me? Boss, boss,! Me?” the Brazilian shouted as he saw his number 7 go up. He stormed off, brushed past Xabi, and headed straight for the locker room. “Always me! I’m leaving the team! I’m leaving, I’d be better off leaving!” he yelled. And although he later returned — and celebrated the win more than anyone — the outburst happened.

Whether he’ll actually leave is another matter. His renewal is still on hold, but the two sides aren’t that far apart. Everything will depend on the coming months, though. Because right now, Vinicius feels he’s not in Xabi’s good graces.

Related stories

NFL

Flacco "50-50" to start for Bengals vs Bears

NBA

Historic day in the NBA: Lakers sold

That’s the situation. However much the temperature has cooled with time, that’s still how he feels. Only time — and actions — can change it. For now, Vinicius has spoken on the pitch and apologized off it. Now it’s Xabi’s turn, and his decision. Punishment, alibi, or pardon — Valencia awaits on December 1st.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.