Overview
- Xabi Alonso said a team meeting on Wednesday settled the issue, praising Vinícius Júnior’s “impeccable” remarks and confirming there will be no disciplinary action.
- Vinícius issued a public apology to fans, teammates, the club and the president without naming Alonso, and he also apologized privately before training, according to multiple reports.
- Alonso confirmed Vinícius is available for Saturday’s league match against struggling Valencia, with Madrid holding a five-point lead before a Champions League trip to Liverpool next week.
- Talks over a new contract for Vinícius are on hold with his current deal running to 2027, as reporting continues to note strain in the player-coach relationship despite the club’s stance that the matter is closed.
- Madrid are without right back Dani Carvajal for several weeks after knee surgery, while Barcelona face an injury pile-up including Pedri’s thigh tear as they try to rebound against Elche.