Picture: AFP
By Agency Reports
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior walked straight down the tunnel in frustration after being substituted during Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Goals from Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham gave Madrid a 2–1 lead at halftime after Fermin Lopez briefly equalized for Barcelona. Despite contributing three shots and creating a scoring chance, Vinicius was replaced by Rodrygo in the 72nd minute and reacted angrily, refusing to sit on the bench. He later returned but appeared to ignore head coach Xabi Alonso while leaving the pitch.
Madrid held on to secure a 2–1 victory, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to five points. The match ended in chaos when Barcelona’s Pedri received a second yellow card for a late foul on Aurelien Tchouameni. Tensions continued after full-time as Vinicius clashed with Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde, prompting intervention from Alonso and Madrid staff.
Real Madrid defenders Eder Militao and Federico Valverde, along with goalkeeper Andrii Lunin, were also booked in a heated finale.
The win marked Madrid’s fifth consecutive league victory. They next face Valencia at home on November 1, while Barcelona will look to recover against Elche on November 2 before returning to Champions League action against Club Brugge.