Real Madrid produced a statement performance at the Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso’s team beat Barcelona 2-1 to open a five-point lead at the top of La Liga. Jude Bellingham ended his drought with his first league goal and assist since returning from shoulder surgery. Kylian Mbappé extended his goal streak and showed his class once again. Alonso’s tactical debut in the Clasico was close to flawless. But the evening’s joy dimmed when Vinicius Jr erupted in anger after being substituted.
The Brazilian winger’s frustration boiled over in the 72nd minute when he was replaced. He ignored Alonso, walked straight down the tunnel, and returned minutes later still furious. Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague shared his insight on the game’s intensity and the growing conflict between Vinicius and his club.
Alonso’s smart tactics bring order and success
Alonso’s first Clasico as manager was an impressive statement. Seven of Madrid’s last eight coaches had lost their opening league meeting with Barcelona. After Carlo Ancelotti’s loose and player-led approach failed last season, Alonso’s structured model produced instant success.
“He nailed it. Real Madrid were excellent, and Barcelona struggled because of Madrid’s organisation,” Balague said. “They pressed high with intensity and dropped back quickly when beaten. Even Vinicius contributed defensively. They stayed compact, with five to ten metres between lines, and Barcelona couldn’t break through.”
The system also brought the best out of Jude Bellingham. Last season, he carried too much responsibility in midfield. Now, his role is more defined. On paper, he started on the right, but he often drifted inside to combine with Mbappé or attack the box.
“With Eduardo Camavinga central, Real Madrid gain energy and control,” Balague explained. “That moved Bellingham wider, but he had freedom. He tracked Mbappé’s runs, found dangerous spaces, and attacked the box. He helped block passing lanes and gave Barcelona no rhythm.”
Vinicius frustration highlights growing division
Vinicius remains adored by fans, his name echoing throughout the Bernabéu. Yet tension is building behind the scenes. Reports suggest Real Madrid might sell him if a major offer arrives. Contract talks have stalled, leaving him with only one year left after this season.
His angry reaction to being substituted showed those cracks. After the final whistle, he even tried to confront Lamine Yamal before being held back. “He deserves criticism for disrespecting Rodrygo, who replaced him,” Balague said. “But Vinicius has always felt the world is against him. That mindset is hard to change. He believes he’s close to being the best, but now the club focuses on Mbappé.”
Balague added that Vinicius feels the club no longer protects him. “Stories suggest Madrid wouldn’t mind if someone paid €250 million for him. He feels that. When Alonso took him off—fairly, since he stopped defending—he thought, ‘why always me?’ Rebuilding trust between him and the club won’t be easy.”
Barcelona crumble as structure and energy fade
Barcelona’s performance summed up their uneven start to the season. After dominating last year’s Clasicos, they looked lost and disorganised. Injuries to Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Dani Olmo have damaged Hansi Flick’s system and energy.
“They look slower without the ball,” Balague said. “Their pressing is weak, their aggression is gone. That makes them easy to attack. On Mbappé’s goal, Alejandro Balde played him onside, and the midfield didn’t react. They’re far from their best.”
Lamine Yamal, who tormented Real last season, had a quiet evening. “He doesn’t seem fully fit, maybe struggling with groin pain,” Balague explained. “The Barcelona that caught Mbappé offside eight times last season is gone. They miss Raphinha’s drive in both attack and defence.”
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, also found little joy. “He tried to create from the left but was isolated,” Balague said. “He faced two or three defenders and lost possession often. His assist came from one rare moment when Barcelona pressed high. They don’t do it enough, and that’s why their style keeps collapsing.”
