Real Madrid produced a near-perfect display at the Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s side beat Barcelona 2-1 and opened up a five-point lead at the top of La Liga. Jude Bellingham scored his first league goal and provided an assist after returning from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé extended his fine scoring run. Alonso’s tactical plan, in his first Clasico as manager, worked to perfection. Yet the night ended with drama as Vinicius Jr reacted furiously to being substituted.
The Brazilian lost his temper after being taken off in the 72nd minute. He brushed past Alonso without a glance and stormed straight down the tunnel. Minutes later, he returned to the bench, still fuming. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague shared his analysis of the fiery clash and the strained relationship between Vinicius and the club.
Alonso’s tactics deliver control and confidence
Alonso’s first Clasico on the sidelines ended in style. Seven of Real Madrid’s last eight managers had lost their debut league meeting with Barcelona. After Carlo Ancelotti’s looser approach failed last season, Alonso’s structured and disciplined system brought immediate reward.
“He got it absolutely right. Real Madrid were excellent, and Barcelona struggled because of Madrid’s organisation,” Balague said. “They pressed high as long as possible and fell back quickly when beaten. Everyone, even Vinicius, worked hard defensively. They kept tight lines just five to ten metres apart, and Barcelona couldn’t break them down.”
This system also allowed Jude Bellingham to rediscover his rhythm. Last season, he carried too much responsibility in midfield. Now, his role is clearer. He started on the right but drifted inside to link with Mbappé or attack the penalty area.
“With Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, Real Madrid gained energy and balance,” Balague explained. “That shifted Bellingham wider, but he still had freedom. He tracked Mbappé’s movements, played clever passes, and attacked the box. He stayed close to the area, where he’s dangerous, and helped close inside spaces. He made Barcelona uncomfortable all night.”
Vinicius anger exposes Real Madrid’s inner conflict
Vinicius remains a fan favourite, and the Bernabéu crowd sang his name repeatedly. Yet tension behind the scenes continues to grow. Reports suggest Real Madrid might sell him if the right offer arrives, and negotiations for a new deal have stalled with one year left after this season.
His furious reaction to being taken off revealed that frustration. After the final whistle, he even tried to confront Lamine Yamal before being held back. “People will criticise him, and rightly so, because he disrespected Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But Vinicius grew up feeling the world is against him. That mindset is hard to shake. He feels close to being the best, but now the club’s focus is on Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels unsupported by the club. “There are stories, maybe leaked or not denied by Real Madrid, suggesting they’d accept €250 million for him. He senses that. When Alonso took him off—fairly, since he stopped helping defensively—he thought, ‘why me again?’ Trust between Vinicius and the club is thin right now.”
Barcelona lose composure under Madrid’s intensity
Barcelona’s display summed up their uneven start to the season. After winning all four Clasicos last year, they looked unbalanced and vulnerable. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have disrupted Hansi Flick’s plans and left his system exposed.
“The team looks slower and less hungry without the ball,” Balague said. “They press less and allow opponents more space. That makes them easy to attack. On Mbappé’s goal, Alejandro Balde played him onside, and the midfield didn’t close down. It’s not the sharp Barcelona we saw last season.”
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Real Madrid last year, struggled to find form. “He doesn’t seem fully fit, maybe due to groin problems,” Balague said. “The Barcelona that caught Mbappé offside eight times last year no longer exists. They miss Raphinha’s energy, both in attack and defence.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, also had a quiet night. “He tried to create chances from the left but was isolated,” Balague said. “He faced two or three defenders and lost the ball often. He assisted the goal, but it came from one of the few times Barcelona pressed high. They don’t do that enough, and their whole system falls apart because of it.”
