Real Madrid delivered a near-flawless performance in El Clasico. Xabi Alonso’s team beat Barcelona 2-1 and stretched their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and provided an assist after recovering from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé continued his deadly scoring streak. Alonso’s tactical plan, in his first Clasico as coach, worked perfectly. But Vinicius Jr’s anger after being substituted overshadowed the night.
The Brazilian exploded with frustration in the 72nd minute after being taken off. He stormed past Alonso, disappeared into the tunnel, and returned minutes later, still visibly upset. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague analysed the tense atmosphere at the Bernabéu and the uneasy relationship between Vinicius and Real Madrid.
Alonso’s structure transforms Real Madrid’s approach
Alonso’s first Clasico in charge ended with a huge statement. Seven of Real Madrid’s last eight coaches had lost their first La Liga Clasico, but Alonso changed that trend. After Carlo Ancelotti’s player-led style failed last season, Alonso’s organised and positional game brought instant success.
“He got everything right. Real Madrid were excellent, and Barcelona suffered because of Madrid’s structure,” Balague said. “They pressed high for as long as possible, and when beaten, they regrouped quickly. Everyone, including Vinicius, tracked back and stayed compact. They defended in two lines just five to ten metres apart. Barcelona couldn’t find a way through.”
The tactical plan also helped Jude Bellingham shine again. Last season, he had to cover every inch of midfield. Now, his role is defined and effective. On paper, he played on the right, but he often drifted inside to combine with Mbappé or make late runs into the box.
“Using Eduardo Camavinga centrally gives the team more energy and control,” Balague explained. “That pushed Bellingham wider, but he still had freedom. He read Mbappé’s runs well, found him in space, and attacked the box. He’s most dangerous near the area and helped block inside channels. He made life very hard for Barcelona.”
Vinicius fury reveals Real Madrid’s internal strain
Vinicius remains adored by Madrid fans, who chanted his name throughout the match. Yet behind the applause, uncertainty surrounds his future. Reports claim Real Madrid might sell him for the right price, and contract negotiations have stalled with just one year left after this season.
His furious reaction to being substituted showed clear signs of tension. After the match, he even tried to confront Lamine Yamal before being stopped by teammates. “He’ll face criticism, and rightly so, for showing no respect to Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But Vinicius has grown up in a hostile environment. He feels the world is against him. That’s hard to change. He believes he’s near the top, yet now the club focuses on Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels abandoned by the club. “There are reports, possibly leaked or not denied by Real Madrid, suggesting they’d accept €250 million for him. He senses that. So when Alonso took him off—fairly, because he stopped tracking back—he thought, ‘why me again?’ The bridge between Vinicius and the club is fragile right now.”
Barcelona lose control as Real Madrid dominate
Barcelona’s performance showed how far they have slipped since last season. After winning all four Clasicos last year, their new campaign under Hansi Flick has been full of problems. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have disrupted their rhythm, and the system looks broken without them.
“The team looks slower and less determined without the ball,” Balague noted. “They don’t press aggressively or recover possession quickly. That makes them easy to attack. Mbappé’s goal came from a defensive lapse by Alejandro Balde, who played him onside. The midfield and forwards didn’t press hard enough. This isn’t the Barcelona we know.”
Lamine Yamal, who terrorised Real Madrid last season, struggled to make an impact. “He doesn’t look in form, maybe because of groin pain,” Balague said. “The Barcelona that caught Mbappé offside eight times last year is gone. They miss Raphinha’s intensity and his balance between defence and attack.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, also failed to shine. “He tried to threaten from the left but was too isolated,” Balague said. “He faced several defenders and lost possession too often. He created little danger, even though he assisted their goal. That came from one of the rare moments Barcelona pressed high. They don’t do that enough, and that’s why their whole style collapses.”
