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Madrid’s Alonso on Vini furore: ‘Subject closed’

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2 months ago

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Madrid’s Alonso on Vini furore: ‘Subject closed’


Xabi Alonso has said there will be “no punishment” for Vinícius Júnior after the star stormed off during Real Madrid’s Clásico win over Barcelona, praising the player’s “valuable, positive” apology and saying “the matter is now closed.”

Vinícius reacted angrily to being substituted in the 72nd minute of the 2-1 LaLiga victory at the Bernabéu, visibly questioning Alonso’s decision before heading straight down the tunnel.

On Wednesday, the Brazil international posted an apology on social media which named fans, teammates, the club and president Florentino Pérez, but omitted Alonso.

“On Wednesday, after two days’ rest, we had a meeting with everyone,” Alonso said in a news conference on Friday.

“Vini did well, he was impeccable. He spoke from the heart, with sincerity. I was very satisfied and for me, from that moment the matter is closed.”

ESPN has reported that the relationship between Alonso and Vinícius has been damaged — with the Clásico row the latest episode — after the coach left the player out of his starting eleven three times so far this season, having previously planned to drop him for Madrid’s Club World Cup semifinal.

Alonso denied that he was surprised or disappointed that Vinícius’ apology didn’t mention him by name.

“For me, it was a very valuable, positive statement,” Alonso said. “Vini showed his honesty, he spoke from the heart, what this club means to him. For me what’s most important is what he said to his teammates, the fans and the club. I’m very satisfied and since Wednesday, the subject is closed and we’re thinking about what’s next.”

Madrid had previously said that disciplinary matters would remain internal, but Alonso said Vinícius would face no sanction for what happened, and was available to play Valencia on Saturday.

“I was satisfied, and since Wednesday it’s closed,” Alonso said. “We’ve trained well, Vini is fine. We’re all in the same boat, rowing in the same direction… We have a game tomorrow, which is the most important thing. No punishment.”

Talks over a new contract for Vinícius — with his current deal up in 2027 — are currently on hold, but Alonso insisted that isn’t a distraction.

“He looks very focused,” Alonso said. “The other day [against Barça] he played a very good game, and against Juventus too, and against Getafe, and we hope for the same tomorrow.”

Alonso’s managerial style is a sharp contrast with predecessor Carlo Ancelotti, who was known for a more relaxed attitude.

“It’s important to be authentic, having a sincere, direct relationship,” Alonso said, when asked how he managed situations like this.

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– Madrid to seek compensation from UEFA after Super League ruling

“Knowing your role, and always thinking about what’s best for the team … It’s about having a good relationship, with respect, but knowing that not everyone is the same. That’s where you need to have emotional intelligence.”

One blow for Madrid after the Clásico win was an injury for captain Dani Carvajal, who had only just returned after a long absence.

“On Monday morning it was a surprise to get the call from the doctor,” Alonso said. “We’ll miss him for sure. He’s very important in the day to day. It could be seven, eight weeks, but I’m not a doctor.”



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Oregon, Ole Miss and other uniforms from the first round of the College Football Playoff

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December 19, 2025

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Oregon, Ole Miss and other uniforms from the first round of the College Football Playoff


The College Football Playoff is as big a stage as you’ll find in the sport — a stage on which eight teams will be performing across four games Friday and Saturday as part of the competition’s first round.

Fittingly, participating teams will bring their A-game in the uniform department, with the national spotlight settling on their program for the weekend. Oregon — unsurprisingly given its seemingly unending closet of thread combinations — is setting the bar with a strong green look. Oklahoma is rocking their iconic crimson jerseys. Other programs are putting their best foot forward with icy white combinations or spiced-up traditional home uniforms with CFP bling.

Here’s what every team will be wearing in the first round of the College Football Playoff.

Oregon

Oklahoma





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Feds seek private money to upgrade tennis center that hosts DC Open

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3 hours ago

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December 19, 2025

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Mark Ein, the investor who runs the DC Open, has long sought upgrades to the tennis center.



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NTSB says pilot in fatal North Carolina plane crash that killed NASCAR’s Greg Biffle not yet identified

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December 19, 2025

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NTSB says pilot in fatal North Carolina plane crash that killed NASCAR’s Greg Biffle not yet identified


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The pilot of the deadly plane crash in North Carolina that killed former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle and his family has not been identified more than 24 hours later, officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said Friday. 

NTSB board member Michael Graham spoke to the media about the preliminary findings of its investigation into Thursday’s crash that killed all seven people aboard a flight headed to the Bahamas. 

Greg Biffle #69 kisses his daughter with Cristina Grossu looking on before climbing into his car during the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at Slinger Speedway on July 10, 2021 in Slinger, Wisconsin. (Logan Riely/SRX via Getty Images)

According to Graham, three people aboard the Cessna C550 were licensed pilots but officials were not able verify as of Friday who was piloting the flight. 

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“This is the beginning of very long process and we will not jump to any conclusions while on scene here in North Carolina nor will we jump to any conclusions,” Graham said of the entirety of the investigation

The plane was owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, according to federal aviation records. The company is owned by Biffle, who was rated to fly helicopters and single and multi-engine planes.

Biffle, 55, was killed alongside his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14. Three other people killed onboard were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

Greg Biffle celebrates win

Greg Biffle celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, on Oct. 3, 2010. (Orlin Wagner, File/AP Photo)

RACING WORLD REMEMBERS FORMER NASCAR DRIVER GREG BIFFLE AFTER DEADLY PLANE CRASH

The seven-person flight was making its way to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Charlotte. NTSB Investigator-In-Charge Dan Baker said the plane took off at approximately 10:05 a.m. ET and began to turn back to the airport five minutes after take off. 

The plane crashed roughly 10 minutes after departure.

Officials did not provide a cause and noted that weather conditions were relatively calm despite light rain. Graham said a preliminary report would be released in 30 days and full investigation could take anywhere between 12–18 months before a final report is released. 

Greg Biffle looks on

Greg Biffle is introduced during driver introductions before a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on July 5, 2015. (Terry Renna, File/AP Photo)

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According to officials, the plane’s black box was recovered from the crash scene and is en route to Washington, D.C., where it will be analyzed.

Greg Biffle, 55, won more than 50 races across NASCAR’s three circuits, including 19 at the Cup Series level. He also won the Trucks Series championship in 2000 and the Xfinity Series title in 2002.

NASCAR called Biffle “a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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