The match at the Martínez Valero offered more than just an uncomfortable draw for Real Madrid. It once again exposed the strange moment Vinicius Junior is living — a player who spent years as an untouchable starter and now finds himself in a role he barely recognizes.

This isn’t just another day on the bench. It’s a symptom of a much bigger picture the club is watching very closely.

A Bench Role That No Longer Surprises Anyone

The trip to Elche marked Vinicius’ fourth time starting as a substitute this season. In this case, the Brazilian was coming off 180 minutes with the national team, and the decision — according to Xabi Alonso — was agreed upon beforehand. On paper, pretty normal.

On the pitch? Not really.

Vini came on in the second half to take over the left wing, but he couldn’t provide the spark that once defined him in Madrid’s toughest moments. No burst of speed, no dribbles, no impact. The team felt it, and so did he.

This isn’t new. His benching in the last Clásico had already generated public tension and sparked internal debate at Valdebebas. The relationship between player and coach is described as “strictly professional,” nothing more. And those close to the Brazilian insist he misses the paternal, protective dynamic he had with Carlo Ancelotti, now his manager with Brazil.

A Puzzle for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid

The club is committed to Xabi Alonso for the long term. His project is backed internally, even with recent results raising questions. But the Vinicius case has become a puzzle that mixes sporting performance, emotional management and a renewal that could shape the future of the squad.

On Wednesday, in Athens, another chapter will be written.

The “Vinicius Maze” remains open… and the number of possible paths keeps growing.