Real Madrid and Barcelona Seek to Overcome El Clasico Aftermath
Although Real Madrid triumphed over Barcelona in the recent El Clasico encounter, the match highlighted issues in both teams, ranging from challenges in managing Vinicius to the worrying dip in form for the Catalan side.
Madrids Brazilian star Vinicius offered an apology on Wednesday, three days following his sides 2-1 victory against their fierce rivals Barca, after displaying frustration upon being taken off at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He argued with manager Xabi Alonso and stormed towards the tunnel after being withdrawn in the 72nd minute, with Rodrygo coming on in his place.
"I wish to apologise to all Madrid supporters today for my response to the substitution during the Clasico. As I have already expressed in person at training today, I also extend my apologies once more to my fellow players, the club, and the president," stated the 25 year old, notably omitting any mention of Alonso.
This incident occurs amid ongoing talks for a contract extension, though his existing agreement runs until 2027.
Vinicius has contributed five goals in La Liga this term, yet he has been overshadowed as the primary figure in the Real lineup by Kylian Mbappe, with the French forward netting 16 times in 13 outings across all tournaments to date, following his tally of 44 goals in his debut campaign at the club.
Supporters of Real will hope that Alonso and Vinicius can begin mending their rapport ahead of Saturdays home clash against relegation threatened Valencia.
Following that, Madrid, who lead La Liga by five points over Barcelona, travel to face Liverpool in the Champions League.
Hansi Flicks Barcelona side needs to recover when hosting Elche on Sunday, after enduring a second loss in their past three league games, which came on the heels of a setback against Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League.
Nevertheless, the current title holders are grappling with an injury predicament at present, with key creator Pedri, dismissed in the Clasico, now sidelined for multiple weeks due to a thigh muscle injury.
He is alongside goalkeepers Joan García and Marc ter Stegen, plus Gavi and Raphinha, in the medical department, although Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo have resumed training sessions.
In other La Liga action this weekend, third positioned Villarreal welcome Rayo Vallecano, while fourth placed Atletico Madrid, undefeated in the league since their initial matchday defeat, confront Sevilla.
Real Sociedad, hovering just outside the relegation places, will play host to Athletic Bilbao in the Basque derby at San Sebastian.
Fixtures (times GMT)
Friday
Getafe v Girona (2000)
Saturday
Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1300), Atletico Madrid v Sevilla (1515), Real Sociedad v Athletic Bilbao (1730), Real Madrid v Valencia (2000)
Sunday
Levante v Celta Vigo (1300), Alaves v Espanyol (1515), Barcelona v Elche (1730), Real Betis v Mallorca (2000)
Monday
Real Oviedo v Osasuna (2000)