Real Madrid 2-0 Espanyol: Xabi Alonso understands Vinicius Junior anger at substitution, adds Kylian Mbappe ‘does perfectly’ what he is asked of

Xabi Alonso said he understood Vinicius Junior’s anger at being substituted during Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Espanyol.

The Brazilian made way for Rodrygo in the 77th minute but clearly felt he had more to give as Madrid recorded their fifth La Liga win of the season.

Goals from Eder Militao and Kylian Mbappe saw Alonso’s side through to the win, and now they sit atop the table with five wins from five, the only club in the league to win all league games so far.

“It’s true that he came off the pitch when he was feeling best and I could have waited a bit to replace him, but I understood that we needed fresh players to maintain control.

“Vinicius wanted to stay on because he was feeling well. Mastantuono too, for example. Angry? He wasn’t very happy, but neither was Franco. It happens to everyone, but I’m very happy with Vinicius’ performance. The schedule is demanding and we have to keep going.”

Including their 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League, Real have notched up six consecutive wins.

By their standards, last season was dismal as Mbappe struggled to replicate his world-class form in a white jersey, and the only trophies they won were the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

But the Frenchman seems to have finally settled in the Spanish capital and has scored seven goals in six games in all competitions to start the season, including two against Marseille.

Against Espanyol he scored again, despite being used more like a playmaker according to Alonso.

“Today he played a more different role, as a playmaker, and we talked about what we needed, and he had a responsibility to be closer to the midfielders, with all that that entails,” the Spaniard said.

“Kylian understands football very well and does perfectly what you ask him to do. It was for another role in a slightly different position than usual.”

England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who had surgery on a long-standing shoulder issue in July, took to the pitch for the first time since the Club World Cup when he came on in the 89th minute.

He was joined by the also returning Eduardo Camavinga, much to Alonso’s delight.

“They’re two more alternatives and two high-level players joining the team. Little by little, they’ll be joining after a long time, and it’s very good news for us.”

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Serie A and Men’s and Women’s FA Cup and more on TNT Sports and discovery+.