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Vinicius Junior has issued a public apology to Real Madrid's fans for throwing a tantrum after he was substituted in El Clasico. Real's statement 2-1 win at home to Barcelona on Sunday was tainted by the Brazilian's outburst.

In the 73rd minute, with the game still in the balance, Xabi Alonso chose to take Vinicius off in place of Rodrygo. When his number came up, the forward erupted and trudged off while moaning at his manager: "Always me! I'm leaving the team! It's better if I leave, I'm leaving,"

Vinicius, 25, was heard saying. There was no handshake between the pair, and Alonso didn't look at Vinicius when he got to the touchline before walking straight down the tunnel. Now, after Bernabeu chiefs decided not to punish him, Vinicius has apologised.

In a post on X, the Brazil international wrote: "Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico.

"Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my team-mates, the club, and the president. Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team.

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"My competitive character 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 the first day."

There was, of course, no mention of Alonso in Vinicius' post.

Alonso told reporters post-match: "There are different personalities in any dressing room. Right now we will enjoy the win, then we'll have a conversation, for sure."

Vinicius returned to the bench for the closing stages against Barca and he was one of five men who were booked for their part in a late melee between both sets of players. "El Clasico is like that," the 25-year-old explained to Real Madrid TV.

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"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 didn't want to offend anyone, not Barca players, nor the fans.

"We know that when we step on to the pitch, we have to defend our side, and that's how it was today."

Reports say that Vinicius and Alonso have a strained relationship. He's scored five goals and provided four assists in 13 games for Real this season, with Alonso having taken charge ahead of the Club World Cup in the summer.

Los Blancos are top of La Liga by five points and have won their first three Champions League matches. They host Valencia on Saturday.

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