Vinicius Jr stormed straight to the dressing room after being substituted during Real Madrid’s intense 2-1 victory over Barcelona, visibly frustrated and making his displeasure clear to manager Xabi Alonso.

The Brazilian was replaced by fellow countryman Rodrygo in the 71st minute, despite playing a key role in Madrid’s winning goal and repeatedly tormenting Barcelona’s right-back Jules Kounde.

The victory ended a four-game losing streak against their rivals and was a potential milestone in Alonso’s bid to assert authority at the club. Yet Vinicius’s fiery reaction underscored the challenge Alonso faces in managing the egos of his star players.

Vinicius has had a tense relationship with Alonso since the manager took over in May. Despite Alonso seemingly finding a formula to maximize the talents of Vinicius and Kylian Mbappe—who struggled to connect last season—he has been substituted in most matches this campaign.

The match itself was full of sparks. Vinicius was charged up from the start, making aggressive tackles and urging the crowd to get behind the team. He repeatedly outplayed Kounde and looked like Madrid’s most likely source of a goal.

His dangerous cross in the 42nd minute set up Eder Militao, who nodded it back across goal for Dean Huijsen to assist Jude Bellingham’s finish. Moments later, Vinicius appeared to create a third goal after teasing Frenkie De Jong near the corner flag, though the chance eventually went to Mbappe, who was offside.

Even after leaving the pitch in frustration, Vinicius’s involvement wasn’t over. He returned just before the final whistle as tempers flared following Pedri’s red card. A scuffle broke out, and he had to be restrained as he argued with Barcelona players.

The episode highlighted both Vinicius’s fiery temperament and the delicate balancing act Alonso faces in keeping his squad united while trying to impose his authority.