It was almost a perfect day for Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso’s team beat Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico and pulled five points clear at the top of La Liga. Jude Bellingham ended his drought with his first league goal and assist of the season after recovering from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé continued his lethal form in front of goal. Alonso’s tactics in his first Clasico as coach worked perfectly. But once again, tension surrounded Vinicius Jr.
Unhappy with being substituted in the 72nd minute, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking past Alonso and disappeared down the tunnel. Minutes later, he returned to the bench, his frustration clear. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague shared his insights on a heated night at the Bernabéu and the growing rift between Vinicius and his club.
Alonso’s masterplan unlocks Real Madrid’s rhythm
For a debut Clasico, Alonso couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Seven of Real’s last eight managers lost their first La Liga meeting with Barcelona. After Carlo Ancelotti’s player-led style failed last season, Alonso’s structured positional game delivered an immediate reward.
“He got it spot on. Real Madrid were excellent, and Barcelona looked lost because of what Madrid were doing,” Balague explained. “They pressed high without the ball for as long as possible. When beaten, they regrouped fast and stayed compact, with even Vinicius tracking back. They defended in two tight lines just five to ten metres apart. Barcelona couldn’t find a way through.”
The system also freed Bellingham. Last season, he had to cover almost every area in midfield. Now, his role carries more balance. Officially on the right of midfield, the 22-year-old often drifted inside to support Mbappé or attack the box.
“Using Eduardo Camavinga centrally adds dynamism and blocks channels,” said Balague. “That pushed Bellingham to the right. He had to monitor Mbappé’s runs when the Frenchman had space, and he linked up well with him. He got into the box and hovered around its edge, where he is most dangerous. He also cut inside to close the channels and make Barcelona’s job harder.”
Vinicius crisis deepens despite fans’ loyalty
Madrid fans adore Vinicius. His name echoed around the Bernabéu several times during the match. Yet reports suggest the club would consider selling him for the right price. His contract runs until 2026, but talks on a new deal have stalled.
His furious reaction to being substituted revealed deeper problems. After the final whistle, Vinicius had to be held back as he tried to confront Lamine Yamal. “People will criticise him, and rightly so, because he disrespected Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But since childhood, he has felt attacked by the world. That mindset is hard to change. He sees himself close to being the best, yet the club is now centering its focus on Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels unprotected. “Stories have surfaced, possibly leaked or at least tolerated by the club, suggesting they wouldn’t object to a €250 million sale. He senses that. So when Alonso substituted him—fairly, since Vinicius stopped tracking back—his reaction was ‘why me, again?’ Building trust between him and the club will be tough.”
Barcelona’s structure collapses under pressure
After winning all four Clasicos last season, Barcelona’s display in Madrid highlighted their stuttering start. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have hurt Hansi Flick’s system.
“The whole team looks less sharp without the ball,” Balague noted. “They press less aggressively and lose hunger. That makes them easier to attack. On Mbappé’s goal, Alejandro Balde played him onside, and the midfield failed to close down. It’s not the coordinated Barcelona we used to see.”
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Real last season, was quiet this time. “The stars weren’t at their best. Lamine looks out of form, maybe because of groin issues. The Barcelona of a year ago, which caught Mbappé offside eight times, is gone for now. They miss Raphinha’s energy in both attack and defence.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has been a bright spot this season, but he struggled at the Bernabéu. “He tried to create danger from the left,” Balague said. “But he was isolated, often facing two or three defenders. He lost possession often and couldn’t break through, though he assisted their goal. That came from one of the few moments Barcelona recovered the ball high. They do that too rarely, so their style collapses.”
