Real Madrid came close to perfection in El Clasico. Xabi Alonso’s side defeated Barcelona 2-1 and moved five points clear at the top of La Liga. Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and added an assist after recovering from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé continued his ruthless form in front of goal. Alonso’s tactical plan, in his first Clasico as coach, worked brilliantly. But the night was overshadowed by Vinicius Jr’s fury after being substituted.
The Brazilian reacted angrily when taken off in the 72nd minute. He ignored Alonso, stormed down the tunnel, and returned minutes later still frustrated. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague analysed the heated Bernabéu atmosphere and the growing divide between Vinicius and his club.
Alonso’s clear structure powers Real Madrid’s success
Alonso’s first Clasico on the bench ended with a huge statement. Seven of Real Madrid’s last eight coaches had lost their first league meeting with Barcelona. After Carlo Ancelotti’s flexible, player-led approach failed last season, Alonso’s organised positional system delivered instant results.
“He got it absolutely right. Real Madrid were excellent, and Barcelona looked lost because of Madrid’s approach,” Balague said. “They pressed high without the ball for as long as possible. When beaten, they recovered shape immediately. Every player worked, even Vinicius. They defended in two lines five to ten metres apart. Barcelona couldn’t find a way through.”
This system also gave Jude Bellingham freedom to shine. Last season, he had to cover almost every area of midfield. Now, his position has more purpose. He started on the right but drifted inside to link with Mbappé or attack the box.
“With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, the team gains energy and control,” Balague explained. “That moved Bellingham to the right, but he kept freedom. He tracked Mbappé’s runs, found him in space, and attacked the area. He stayed close to the box, where he’s most dangerous. He also closed inside channels and made Barcelona’s build-up harder.”
Vinicius outburst highlights Real Madrid tension
Vinicius remains adored by the fans, his name echoing around the Bernabéu. But despite that affection, his future looks uncertain. Reports claim Real Madrid could consider selling him if a major offer arrives. Contract talks have stalled with just one year left after this season.
His furious reaction to being substituted revealed deeper frustration. After the final whistle, he even tried to confront Lamine Yamal before being held back by teammates. “He’ll be criticised, and rightly so, because it showed no respect for Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But Vinicius grew up feeling the world is against him. That mindset doesn’t change easily. He feels close to being the best, yet now the club’s focus has shifted to Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels abandoned by Real Madrid. “There are reports, maybe leaked or at least tolerated by the club, suggesting they wouldn’t mind a €250 million sale. He feels that. So when Alonso replaced him—fairly, since he stopped defending—his reaction was, ‘why me again?’ It will take time to rebuild trust between him and the club.”
Barcelona lose their edge as Real Madrid dominate
Barcelona’s performance exposed their fragile start to the season. After winning all four Clasicos last year, Hansi Flick’s team looked unconvincing in Madrid. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have disrupted their rhythm.
“The team looks slower and less determined without the ball,” Balague said. “They don’t press as hard or recover possession as quickly. That makes them easy to attack. Mbappé’s goal came from a defensive mistake by Alejandro Balde, who kept him onside. The midfield and forwards didn’t press enough either. It’s not the same Barcelona.”
Lamine Yamal, so dangerous last season, failed to make an impact. “He doesn’t look in top form, possibly because of groin issues,” Balague said. “The Barcelona that caught Mbappé offside eight times last year is gone. They miss Raphinha’s intensity and his defensive contribution.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, also struggled. “He tried to create danger on the left but was isolated,” Balague said. “He faced multiple defenders, lost the ball often, and created little danger despite assisting the goal. That came from one of the rare moments Barcelona pressed high. They don’t do that enough, and their style collapses because of it.”
