Real Madrid may have emerged victorious in last weekend’s Clásico, but the 2–1 win over Barcelona revealed issues within both camps — from Vinicius Junior’s frustrations in Madrid to Barcelona’s worrying dip in form.

Madrid’s Brazilian star Vinicius issued an apology on Wednesday, three days after his side’s triumph at the Santiago Bernabéu. The forward had reacted angrily to being substituted in the 72nd minute, confronting coach Xabi Alonso before storming down the tunnel after being replaced by Rodrygo.

“Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clásico. Just as I have already done in person during today’s training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president,”
said the 25-year-old, notably without mentioning Alonso by name.

The incident comes amid ongoing negotiations over a new contract for Vinicius, though his current deal runs until 2027. The forward has scored five times in La Liga this season but has seen his star somewhat dimmed by Kylian Mbappé’s blistering form. The Frenchman has already netted 16 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions, following a remarkable debut campaign in which he scored 44 times.

Madrid supporters will be hoping Vinicius and Alonso can smooth things over before Saturday’s home clash with struggling Valencia, who currently sit in the relegation zone. After that, Los Blancos travel to Liverpool for a crucial Champions League tie.

Meanwhile, Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick are under pressure to respond after suffering their second domestic defeat in three games — a run compounded by their Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain. The Catalans will look to rebound at home against Elche on Sunday.

Their task, however, is complicated by an escalating injury crisis. Midfielder Pedri, sent off in the Clásico, has been sidelined for several weeks with a thigh injury. He joins goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen, as well as Gavi and Raphinha, on the injury list. The good news for Barça fans is that Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training.

Elsewhere in La Liga this weekend, third-placed Villarreal host Rayo Vallecano, while fourth-placed Atlético Madrid — unbeaten since the opening weekend — face Sevilla. Real Sociedad, hovering just above the relegation zone, meet Athletic Bilbao in a fiercely contested Basque derby in San Sebastián