Real Madrid is currently navigating one of the most precarious moments of the 2025-2026 season, particularly concerning its defensive line.

The recent crushing defeat against one of their historic rivals has exposed critical weaknesses in a team that has long prided itself on defensive solidity and resilience.

This loss has sent shockwaves through the club, raising serious questions about the tactical setup and player performances.

According to internal sources leaked to the press, Xabi Alonso, the head coach and a central figure in the ongoing tactical overhaul of the squad, has singled out Vinícius Júnior as the principal cause of the defensive crisis.

The coach has reportedly demanded the immediate sale of the Brazilian winger, a move that has sent ripples throughout the footballing world.

The gravity of the situation extends beyond poor results on the pitch.

It touches deeply on the morale and cohesion within the locker room, which is just as crucial for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.

Alonso’s dissatisfaction reportedly centers not only on Vinícius Júnior’s on-field errors but also on his attitude during training sessions and official matches.

Multiple sources close to the coaching staff have revealed that Alonso’s frustration stems from a series of repeated mistakes that have directly contributed to conceding goals at crucial moments.

These lapses have cost Real Madrid valuable points in La Liga’s tightly contested standings, undermining the confidence of defenders and goalkeeper alike.

The defensive unit, which once operated with near-perfect synchronization, now appears rattled and uncertain.

Vinícius Júnior, once hailed as one of the brightest young talents in world football, has seen his reputation take a hit amid the club’s defensive woes.

His attacking prowess is undeniable, but the coach’s critique highlights a perceived imbalance between his offensive contributions and defensive responsibilities.

This imbalance has reportedly frustrated Alonso, who demands a more disciplined and team-oriented approach, especially given the tactical demands of modern football where wingers are expected to contribute significantly to defensive phases.

The situation has escalated to the highest echelons of the club’s hierarchy.

Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, has publicly expressed his support for Alonso’s technical decisions, signaling a unified front from the club’s leadership.

Pérez’s involvement underscores the seriousness with which the club views the defensive instability.

In a recent statement, Pérez emphasized the imperative of maintaining team unity and restoring confidence within the squad.

He reiterated the club’s ambition to remain competitive not only in La Liga but also on the European stage, where margins for error are minimal.

The internal dynamics within the squad have reportedly become strained.

Sources close to the dressing room suggest that tensions between Vinícius Júnior and several teammates have intensified over the past few weeks.

Such interpersonal frictions are particularly damaging in a team sport like football, where communication and mutual trust are essential for defensive coordination.

The breakdown in relationships may be contributing to the defensive lapses, creating an environment where players hesitate or miscommunicate during critical moments.

Alonso and his coaching staff are believed to be weighing their options carefully.

The consensus appears to be that a significant change in the squad is necessary to halt the downward spiral.

This could involve offloading Vinícius Júnior, despite his undeniable talent, to restore tactical balance and discipline.

The coaching team believes that such a move could also send a strong message about accountability and professionalism within the squad.

Moreover, it could pave the way for promoting promising young talents from Real Madrid’s famed youth academy, La Fábrica, who are eager to prove themselves at the highest level.

The media frenzy surrounding this issue is intense.

Speculation about potential suitors for Vinícius Júnior is rampant, with several top clubs — both within Spain and abroad — reportedly expressing interest.

Clubs in the English Premier League, Serie A, and Ligue 1 are said to be monitoring the situation closely, recognizing an opportunity to acquire a highly skilled player with room for growth.

Meanwhile, football analysts are debating the broader implications of this potential transfer.

Some argue that Vinícius’s departure could allow Real Madrid to reinforce their defense with strategic signings, addressing the vulnerabilities that have been so glaringly exposed.

Others caution that losing a player of his caliber could diminish the team’s attacking threat, placing additional pressure on other forwards like Kylian Mbappé and Rodrygo.

From the perspective of the fans, the atmosphere is one of anxious anticipation.

Real Madrid’s supporters are demanding swift and effective action to reverse the current trend of defensive frailty.

The Spanish press continues to scrutinize every development, treating each decision made by the club as a critical indicator of how the crisis will be managed.

The pressure on Xabi Alonso is immense, as he must balance short-term results with long-term squad development.

His decisions in the coming weeks will likely define his tenure and possibly the trajectory of Real Madrid’s season.

This saga also highlights the broader challenges faced by top football clubs in managing star players whose individual brilliance sometimes clashes with team dynamics.

Vinícius Júnior’s situation is a case study in how even the most talented athletes must align with collective goals and tactical frameworks to achieve sustained success.

The Real Madrid management’s willingness to make tough decisions reflects the club’s relentless pursuit of excellence and its intolerance for complacency.

In conclusion, the tension enveloping Real Madrid’s locker room is a stark reminder of the high stakes and relentless pressure inherent in elite football.

Xabi Alonso’s directive to sell Vinícius Júnior, backed firmly by president Florentino Pérez, is a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the defense and preserving the club’s competitive edge domestically and internationally.

The coming months will be critical as the club navigates this transition, balancing the need for immediate improvement with the long-term vision of maintaining Real Madrid’s status as one of the world’s premier football institutions.

Fans, analysts, and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds and what it means for the future of the team.