Vinicius Junior began Real Madrid’s trip to Real Oviedo on the bench but ended the 3–0 victory making headlines.
In just a 30-minute cameo, the Brazilian winger left a lasting mark, reminding everyone why he is one of world football’s most electrifying talents.
According to Sports Illustrated, after the match, Vinicius shared a picture on social media, soaking up the atmosphere in Asturias. He captioned it with just four words: “Eu sou isso aí…” — roughly translating to, “This is who I am.”
Vinicius Junior: The controversial bench decision
Xabi Alonso’s decision to start Vinicius on the bench was one of four changes for the trip to Estadio Carlos Tartiere, with Rodrygo taking the Brazilian’s spot.
The former Bayer Leverkusen head coach had reportedly considered keeping Vinicius out for Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, a late injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold changed those plans. The Englishman was also among the substitutes as Alonso followed through with his decision.
Kylian Mbappé started up front and gave the visitors a first-half lead, yet the match remained finely poised until Vinicius replaced Rodrygo for the final half-hour.
How did Vinicius perform against Real Oviedo?
Despite starting from the bench, Vinicius quickly silenced his critics. In a brief but explosive spell, he scored a goal and provided an assist, leaving Alonso with a tactical headache over his lineup decisions.
In typical Vinicius fashion, he celebrated Mbappé’s goal with intense fervor, gesticulating so wildly that the Frenchman had to cover his teammate’s mouth.
Sources suggest Vinicius’ outburst was not aimed at Alonso but rather at the officials, who had shown him a yellow card for a controversial dive minutes earlier.
That fall prompted the entire Oviedo stadium to chant “tonto, tonto” — “idiot, idiot.” But Vinicius soon had the last laugh, netting a well-taken goal in stoppage time and gesturing that the newly promoted hosts would be heading back down to Segunda División next season, as noted by beIN Sports.
What’s next for Vinicius?
It remains unclear whether Vinicius starting from the bench is the beginning of a pattern or a one-off tactical move.
Nevertheless, Los Blancos will aim to continue their perfect start to the campaign when they host Real Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, August 30.