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Vinícius Júnior apologises to Real Madrid fans after sub reaction

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Hofman: Vinicius status at Real Madrid has changed under Alonso (1:34)

ESPN Brasil's Gustavo Hofman talks about the reasons behind Vinicius outburst and strained relationship with Xabi Alonso after El Clasico. (1:34)

Vinícius Júnior has apologised to Real Madrid fans for his reaction at being substituted during the team's Clásico win over Barcelona.

ESPN previously reported that Vinícius had decided to apologise for his actions and the Brazil international later said in a post on social media that he regretted his actions.

The forward was withdrawn by coach Xabi Alonso in the 72nd minute of the 2-1 LaLiga victory at the Bernabéu on Sunday -- replaced by Rodrygo -- and responded angrily, gesticulating and shouting repeatedly as he left the pitch, and heading straight for the dressing room.

ESPN has reported that the relationship between Alonso and Vinícius has deteriorated, and the pair were set to meet in person on Wednesday, as the team returned to training after two days off.

"Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in El Clásico," Vinícius said in a post on X.

"Just as I did in person during today's training session, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president.

"Sometimes my passion gets the better of me; I always want to win and help my team. My competitive nature stems from the love I feel for this club, and everything it represents.

"I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since day one."

Alonso has left Vinícius -- the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or runner-up -- out of his starting XI three times so far this season, while talks with the club over a new contract for the player have stalled in recent months.

Sources have told ESPN that the club will not punish Vinícius for what happened, although a club spokesperson would not comment when approached by ESPN, saying that disciplinary matters would remain internal.

"We'll talk about it," Alonso said on Sunday, when asked about Vinícius' reaction. "I don't want to move the spotlight away from what's important. Vini contributed a lot."

Vinícius has scored five goals and provided four assists in LaLiga this season, as his form improved over the last month, although sources have told ESPN that the player's entourage believe Alonso is not a fan of the player.

ESPN previously reported that Alonso had planned to leave Vinícius out of another high-profile game, last summer's Club World Cup semifinal with Paris Saint-Germain, before injuries elsewhere forced a change of plans.

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After storming off the pitch in Sunday's Clásico, Vinícius later returned to the bench and was involved in scuffles with Barça players which saw the referee issue five yellow cards -- including for Vinícius -- and one red card for Andriy Lunin.

"A message to all Madridistas, especially those who came to the Bernabéu and supported us," Vinícius said after the game. "The Clásico is like that; there are a lot of things happening on and off the pitch.

"We try to maintain a balance, but it's not always possible ... We know that when we step onto the pitch we have to defend our side, and that's how it was today."