Soccer-Alonso stands by shock Vinicius benching as Real Madrid chase perfect start

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Real Madrid unveil new coach Xabi Alonso - Ciudad Real Madrid, Valdebebas, Madrid, Spain - May 26, 2025 Real Madrid new coach Xabi Alonso during the unveiling press conference REUTERS/Juan Medina/File Photo

MADRID (Reuters) -Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso doubled down on his decision to leave Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr out of his starting line-up, insisting every player must fight for their place despite the FIFA world player of the year's heroics off the bench.

The move paid off last Sunday as Vinicius came on as a substitute to help Real Madrid win 3-0 at Oviedo, providing an assist for Mbappe's second goal before netting himself.