Clásico Clash: Dugarry's Fire and Madrid's Mbappé-Driven Makeover
28 October 2025
Dugarry's backlash against Vinícius
French former star Christophe Dugarry launched a sharp critique of Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior following his controversial conduct during the Clasico with Barcelona, particularly his heated reaction after being subbed by coach Xabi Alonso.
Real Madrid edged Barcelona 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in the tenth round of La Liga last weekend.
In discussions with RMC Sport, Dugarry criticized Vinícius for his ongoing complaints about referees and rivals and for provoking the crowd, emphasizing that while a player has the right to be disappointed, Vinícius went too far.
He warned that Vinícius's future at Real Madrid looks uncertain due to a drop in form and his erratic behavior, suggesting it might be time for a move, as his performances no longer match his potential.
He also questioned Lamine Yamal's performance, noting that the Barcelona teenager appeared distracted and overconfident before the game, failing to make a meaningful impact.
Calm Alonso and a new Madrid dynamic
Xabi Alonso, Madrid's coach, spoke with composure after the 2-1 Clasico victory, highlighting the mental and future benefits of the win and stressing that there is still a lot of work to do.
When asked about Vinícius's outburst after being substituted, Alonso said the team would discuss it privately and that he did not want to lose focus on the important points, acknowledging that different players have different personalities and that the group would address matters internally.
He also reminded that Clasico tensions are normal as long as competition stays healthy, and that the current moment is about maintaining balance and focus.
Mbappé has emerged as the primary star in Madrid's late-game actions, with a strong contribution this season across both La Liga and the Champions League (16 goals and 2 assists in 13 matches). His movement between the gaps and deeper zones has provided new attacking options for Madrid, reducing Vinícius's central role and reshaping the team's attacking dynamics.
In short, Vinícius's influence has shifted rather than vanished; Mbappé's arrival has redefined the way Madrid attack, giving the team more variety at key moments while challenging Vinícius to adapt and lead in a different capacity.
Punchline 1: If patience were a yellow card, Vinícius would be banned for life—yet somehow he still makes every match feel like a cliffhanger.
Punchline 2: Alonso's calm is so intense it could calm a VAR decision—Madrid hired a zen master to coach a team that loves drama.
