Real Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa defended star forward Vinícius Júnior after the player faced boos from fans during the team’s 2-1 victory against Alavés on Tuesday. Arbeloa noted that Vinícius changed the crowd’s reaction with his impressive second-half goal.
Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid with a deflected shot at the Bernabéu, followed by Vinícius, who extended the lead to 2-0 with a stunning long-range strike. Toni Martínez managed to score a consolation goal for the visitors during added time.
The Bernabéu supporters expressed their displeasure following Madrid’s exit from the Champions League against Bayern Munich by booing both Mbappé and Vinícius, as well as criticizing substitute Eduardo Camavinga, who received a red card in Munich.
“Vinícius has consistently shown great effort in tough situations,” Arbeloa stated in the post-match press conference. “He has carried the team on his shoulders. We cannot question his attitude. He doesn’t shy away; he is courageous. He is a Madrid supporter, and he takes pride in wearing the shirt and badge.”
“The fans are passionate and demand the best from their players. Today, Vini transformed the whistles into applause; he has done this before, and that is what matters.”
Arbeloa also voiced support for Camavinga, whose recent performances have faced backlash from supporters and media.
“He possesses significant personality and experience, especially for his age,” Arbeloa remarked. “Like Vini, he came to Real Madrid at a young age and has accomplished a lot, winning key trophies. He has the trust of the coach, the club, and I am sure the fans as well.”
This victory has brought Madrid within six points of league leaders Barcelona, who are set to face Celta Vigo on Wednesday. The two rivals are scheduled to clash in El Clásico on May 10.
Another standout, midfielder Jude Bellingham, showed his frustration after being substituted following just 58 minutes against Alavés, leading to a brief discussion with Arbeloa on the sidelines.
“Jude is transitioning from a challenging period,” Arbeloa explained. “He played 90 minutes in Munich for the first time in a while, and we have another match coming up this Friday.”
“He has a competitive spirit, a strong drive, and even in a match like this, he wants to contribute and remain on the pitch.”
Centre-back Éder Militão was taken off just before halftime due to injury.
Club insiders informed ESPN that the concern seems to be a hamstring issue, though it is not expected to be serious.