
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso came to the defense of Vinicius Junior, who he deemed “essential” to the team, after the Brazil international was whistled by fans at the Bernabéu on Sunday.
The Spanish giants kicked off the new year in style, securing a dominant 5–1 win over Real Betis without the injured Kylian Mbappé. Gonzalo García garnered much of the home crowd’s praise for his perfect hat trick, while fellow forward Vinicius Jr once again was harshly criticized.