Copyright news18
Real Madrid might have triumphed over Barcelona in last weekend’s Clasico, but the match highlighted issues in both camps, from handling Vinicius to the Catalans’ troubling recent form. Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinicius issued an apology on Wednesday, three days after his team defeated arch-rivals Barca 2-1, following his frustration at being substituted at the Santiago Bernabeu. He argued with coach Xabi Alonso and stormed down the tunnel after being replaced by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute. “Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, club and president,” said the 25-year-old, without mentioning Alonso. This incident occurs amid ongoing contract negotiations, although his current deal runs until 2027. Vinicius has scored five goals this season in La Liga, but Kylian Mbappe has overshadowed him with 16 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions so far, after netting 44 goals in his first season at the club. Real fans will hope Alonso and Vinicius can mend their relationship before Saturday’s home game against struggling Valencia, who are in the relegation zone. Following that, Madrid, five points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga, will travel to Liverpool for Champions League duty. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona must recover at home against Elche on Sunday after suffering their second defeat in their last three domestic matches, following a loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League. The reigning champions are currently facing an injury crisis — playmaker Pedri, who was sent off in the Clasico, is sidelined for several weeks with a thigh muscle tear. He joins goalkeepers Joan García and Marc Ter Stegen, alongside Gavi and Raphinha, in the treatment room, though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training. Elsewhere in La Liga this weekend, third-placed Villarreal will face Rayo Vallecano while fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, unbeaten in La Liga since losing on the opening weekend, take on Sevilla. Real Sociedad, just above the relegation zone, host Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby in San Sebastian. Fixtures (times GMT): Getafe v Girona (2000) Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1300), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (1515), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Real Madrid v Valencia (2000) Levante v Celta Vigo (1300), Alaves v Espanyol (1515), Barcelona v Elche (1730), Real Betis v Mallorca (2000) Real Oviedo v Osasuna (2000)
