Vinicius Junior’s solitary exit prompts concern after Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League win

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior reportedly went straight to the dressing room rather than joining his team-mates on the pitch to celebrate their 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The Brazilian started the Champions League match but produced a subdued display before being replaced by team-mate Yan Diomande in the 70th minute. Diomande made an immediate impact, creating one goal and scoring another during his 20 minutes on the pitch.

According to Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Vinicius did not remain on the field after the final whistle. He first embraced fellow Brazilian Rodrygo Goes, who was waiting to join the rest of the players, before walking alone towards the dressing-room entrance.

The incident was also described by Javier Herraez, a Real Madrid correspondent, on Carousel Deportivo.

“Yes, he left of his own accord. I told you before. He is in a dire situation,” Herraez said. “Now we can try to revive him, or if someone wants to continue booing him, they can do so. That is their right, but they should know that he is in a dire situation.”

Vinicius’ decision to leave the celebrations separately came despite Real Madrid recording a convincing victory over RB Leipzig. His performance and early departure instead became the main talking point after the final whistle.