MADRID: Real Madrid may have triumphed over Barcelona in last weekend’s Clasico, but the clash also revealed key issues within both camps — from handling Vinicius Jr.’s temperament to Barcelona’s worrying dip in form.
Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. issued a public apology on Wednesday, three days after Real’s 2–1 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu, following his angry reaction to being substituted in the 72nd minute.
Visibly frustrated, Vinicius argued with coach Xabi Alonso before storming down the tunnel after being replaced by Rodrygo.
“Today I want to apologise to all Real Madrid fans for my reaction during the Clasico substitution. As I have already done personally in training, I also want to apologise to my teammates, club, and president,” said the 25-year-old — notably without mentioning Alonso by name.
The incident comes amid ongoing talks for a contract extension, though Vinicius remains tied to the club until 2027.
Despite scoring five La Liga goals this season, Vinicius has been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe, who has already netted 16 goals in 13 appearances and 44 across all competitions last season.
Real supporters will be eager to see Alonso and Vinicius mend their relationship before Saturday’s home clash against Valencia, who currently sit in the relegation zone.
Madrid, five points clear at the top of the La Liga table, will then turn their focus to a crucial Champions League encounter against Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces mounting pressure after suffering a second defeat in three league matches — a stretch that followed their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barca’s troubles have been compounded by injuries: Pedri, sent off in the Clasico, is out for several weeks with a thigh issue. He joins Joan García, Marc Ter Stegen, Gavi, and Raphinha on the sidelines, though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Villarreal (third) host Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid (fourth) meet Sevilla, and struggling Real Sociedad take on Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby in San Sebastian.
