Xabi Alonso Leads Real Madrid to 2-1 Clásico Victory Over Barcelona Amid Vinicius Jr Tensions

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a highly tense Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham, marking a significant win under manager Xabi Alonso. Despite the triumph, the match was marked by controversy, including a stormy reaction from Vinicius Jr after being substituted, which Alonso acknowledged and said he would address privately. The win was crucial for Real Madrid to overcome recent heavy defeats and restore confidence, with Alonso emphasizing the importance of the victory not just for points but for team morale and dynamics. The match also featured a heated brawl following Pedri's red card, underscoring the intense rivalry and pressure surrounding the fixture. In the buildup, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal sparked additional tension with comments perceived as disrespectful by Real Madrid players, but Alonso chose to focus on the game rather than engage in verbal disputes. Overall, Alonso's tactical choices and team motivation were pivotal in this statement win, signaling a positive shift for Real Madrid this season.