Overview
- Xabi Alonso called Vinícius Júnior “fundamental” and “decisive” ahead of facing Juventus, days after benching him at Getafe before his cameo shifted the match and drew two red cards for fouls on him.
- Alonso praised Kylian Mbappé’s influence beyond goals as the forward leads both LaLiga and Champions League scoring; Mbappé has 10 goals in nine league games and five in two European outings.
- Real Madrid have won 10 of 11 matches under Alonso, lead LaLiga with 24 points, and hold maximum points in the Champions League.
- Juventus arrive at the Bernabéu on a winless run of more than a month and sit seventh in Serie A, though Alonso cautioned that struggling Italian sides remain dangerous.
- Alonso said decisions on Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Dani Carvajal for the Clásico will come on Saturday, while Vinícius continues to face racist abuse cases referred by LaLiga to prosecutors and contract talks for him are at a standstill.