Real Madrid and Barcelona will look to move past the fallout from last weekend’s heated Clasico clash as both clubs return to La Liga action this weekend.
Madrid may have triumphed 2–1 over their arch-rivals, but the match exposed underlying tensions — particularly between coach Xabi Alonso and Brazilian star Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius, who reacted angrily after being substituted in the 72nd minute, apologised to fans, teammates, and club officials on Wednesday.
“Today I want to apologise to all Madrid fans for my reaction to being substituted in the Clasico… I have also apologised in person to my teammates, club, and president,” said the 25-year-old, notably omitting Alonso from his statement.
The incident comes amid ongoing contract negotiations, though Vinicius’ current deal runs until 2027.
Despite his five league goals this season, the Brazilian has been overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe, who has netted 16 times in 13 appearances in all competitions.
Madrid, sitting five points clear at the top of La Liga, will hope to maintain momentum when they host struggling Valencia on Saturday before heading to Liverpool for Champions League action.
Meanwhile, Barcelona must regroup after suffering two losses in their last three domestic games, including the Clasico defeat and a Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Manager Hansi Flick faces a growing injury crisis, with Pedri sidelined for several weeks following a thigh tear and suspension. The Catalans are also without Marc ter Stegen, Gavi, Raphinha, and Joan García, though Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have returned to training.
Elsewhere in La Liga, third-placed Villarreal host Rayo Vallecano, while unbeaten Atletico Madrid take on Sevilla.
Real Sociedad, hovering above the relegation zone, face Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby.
Weekend Fixtures (GMT):
Friday: Getafe v Girona (20:00)
Saturday: Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (13:00), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (15:15), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (17:30), Real Madrid v Valencia (20:00)
Sunday: Levante v Celta Vigo (13:00), Alaves v Espanyol (15:15), Barcelona v Elche (17:30), Real Betis v Mallorca (20:00)
Monday: Real Oviedo v Osasuna (20:00)
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