Vinicius's surprising omission from the starting XI in Oviedo ignites debate about the Brazilian's situation. His second-half appearance scored a goal, gave an assist, and another controversial episode with the stands.
Xabi Alonso's line-up raised eyebrows: several rotations, but one stood out. Vinicius Junior didn't start against Oviedo, despite having four days' rest since the previous match against Osasuna, and the added knowledge that he wouldn't be called up for the Brazil squad. It seemed more of a tactical decision than a way to manage minutes, especially considering the stage of the season. "In football, you make decisions thinking about the team, and that's how it was," Xabi argued. A statement of intent in matchday 2, which is a novelty at Real Madrid. Both Vinicius and Mbappe were untouchable in Ancelotti's starting eleven.
Vinicius's first time on the bench last season, 2024-25, came on matchday six. And in the whole season, it only happened eight times. Curiously, against Espanyol, he also scored and provided an assist. As in the Carlos Tartiere, where he first teed up Mbappe for the 0-2, and then took it upon himself to finish the job, in the final moments of the match, for the definitive 0-3.
It was Xabi's first change, making a double substitution in the 63rd minute to switch the wings: Rodrygo and Mastantuono made way for Vinicius and Brahim. Before his decisive contribution in the final stretch, the '7' also found time for some skirmishes, including one with the referee. In one of his protests to Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea, he received a yellow card. His first of the season, after the 16 he saw the previous campaign.
From then on, his redemption began, culminating in catharsis after his late goal. Before that, in the build-up to the 0-2, there was a gesture that, at first, seemed difficult to decipher. 'Movistar +' cameras captured it: it was also directed at Ricardo De Burgos, who seemed to be indicating that he should return to his own half without prolonging the celebration too much. Vini remonstrated, and the Frenchman, cautiously, helped his teammate by calming him down.
After scoring the 0-3 himself, he celebrated and then put his hand to his ear, pointing to the away sector, where the Real Madrid fans were located. This didn't please the home fans, who made their feelings known. At the end of the match, Vini revived his 'relegation' gesture towards Oviedo, directed at the Tartiere. He was a substitute, but also a key figure - or antagonist for the locals - on Sunday night.