Real Madrid delivered a commanding performance at the Bernabéu, defeating Barcelona 2-1 to take a five-point lead at the top of La Liga. Xabi Alonso’s side looked sharp, structured, and confident in his first-ever Clasico as manager. Jude Bellingham finally broke his drought with a goal and an assist after months recovering from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé continued his ruthless form and proved decisive once again. Yet what should have been a perfect night turned tense when Vinicius Jr exploded in anger after being substituted.
The Brazilian winger showed his frustration in the 72nd minute when Alonso replaced him. He walked straight past his coach without eye contact and stormed into the tunnel before returning to the bench shortly after. Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague reflected on the match’s intensity and the growing unease between Vinicius and the club.
Alonso’s tactics bring control and clarity
For Alonso, this was the ideal start to his Clasico career. Seven of Real Madrid’s previous eight managers had lost their first league meeting with Barcelona. After Carlo Ancelotti’s loose, player-driven approach struggled last season, Alonso’s disciplined structure gave his team clear balance and direction.
“He got it absolutely right. Real Madrid were fantastic, and Barcelona couldn’t cope,” Balague said. “Madrid pressed high for long stretches, then regrouped quickly when beaten. Even Vinicius helped defend. The lines were tight, only five to ten metres apart, and Barcelona had no way through.”
This tactical clarity also benefited Jude Bellingham. Last season, he carried too much responsibility in midfield. Now, his role fits his strengths. He started on the right but drifted inside to connect with Mbappé or charge into the box.
“With Eduardo Camavinga in midfield, Madrid gained pace and control,” Balague explained. “That moved Bellingham slightly wider, but he still found freedom. He tracked Mbappé’s runs, helped close channels, and attacked the penalty area. He made life difficult for Barcelona all evening.”
Vinicius fury deepens rift with Real Madrid
The Bernabéu crowd still adores Vinicius, chanting his name throughout the match. Yet behind the cheers, tension is building. Reports suggest the club would consider selling him if a huge offer arrived, and contract talks have stalled with one year remaining after this season.
His angry outburst after being substituted revealed the strain. After full-time, he even tried to confront Lamine Yamal but was stopped by teammates. “He’ll face criticism, and rightly so, because he showed disrespect to Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But since he was young, Vinicius has felt under attack. That mentality drives him but also isolates him. He believes he’s close to being the best, but now the club’s focus has shifted to Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels abandoned by the club. “There are reports, maybe leaked or not denied, suggesting Madrid wouldn’t reject €250 million for him. He senses that. When Alonso took him off—fairly, since he stopped defending—he thought, ‘why always me?’ Building trust again will be difficult.”
Barcelona lose shape and confidence
Barcelona’s display reflected their shaky start to the season. After winning all four Clasicos last year, they looked disorganised and flat. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have weakened Hansi Flick’s structure and intensity.
“They look slower without the ball,” Balague said. “They don’t press as hard or recover possession quickly. That makes them easy to break down. On Mbappé’s goal, Alejandro Balde played him onside, and the midfield failed to close down. It’s not the Barcelona of last year.”
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Madrid last season, had a quiet night. “He doesn’t seem fully fit, maybe struggling with groin pain,” Balague said. “The Barcelona that caught Mbappé offside eight times last year has vanished. They miss Raphinha’s pace and energy in attack and defence.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, also struggled to make an impact. “He tried to create from the left but was isolated,” Balague said. “He lost the ball often and lacked support. His assist came from one rare pressing moment. Barcelona don’t do that often enough, and their system falls apart as a result.”
