Real Madrid’s turbulent dressing-room divide has been laid bare as reports in Spain reveal which players have aligned themselves with Vinicius Jr amid his escalating conflict with manager Xabi Alonso — and which stars, including Kylian Mbappe, have publicly and privately backed the under-pressure coach. With results slipping and tensions rising, Los Blancos now find themselves battling a crisis.

Retired tennis great and Real Madrid supporter Rafael Nadal has advised Vinicius Junior to "respect the authority" of Xabi Alonso amid speculation that the Brazilian's relationship with the head coach has reached a breaking point. Nadal emphasised on the need to hold conversations in order to preserve both the image of the club and the unity within the Real Madrid dressing room.

With just under 20 minutes to go in the first Clasico of the current campaign at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso made a double substitution with his side 2-1 up on Barcelona. Federico Valverde accepted his withdrawal with good grace; Vinicius Jr did not. Five times he incredulously asked "Me?!", to the understandable bewilderment of his manager. "Come on, Vini, damn it!," Alonso pleaded. But there was no calming the winger down.

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr has reportedly told the club he currently has no plans to renew his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu due to a difficult relationship with manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian is said to be one of five players at Real Madrid who are not happy with the new manager's methods after he replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the helm in the summer.

Vinicius Junior's relationship with Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is described as "strictly professional" amid growing discontent from the Brazilian winger over his role this season. The forward reportedly misses the close bond he shared with former manager Carlo Ancelotti after finding himself on the bench once again for the La Liga draw against Elche.