Clasico Playbook: Laudrup’s Take on Yamal’s Youth, Pedri’s Pulse, and the Madrid-Barcelona Showdown

El Clasico Preview: Laudrup’s Tactical Take

Michael Laudrup, the Danish football legend and one of the timeless icons of the Clasico, is among the few players who wore both Barcelona and Real Madrid. He was present at the two famous 5-0 clashes in 1994 and 1995, one wearing Barca’s colors and the other Real Madrid’s.

In a special interview with AS, Laudrup offered his tactical analysis and predictions ahead of the Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He started by noting that the winner remains uncertain, calling this edition one of the most enigmatic in recent years due to the difference in performances between the two sides.

He added that last season Barcelona won all head-to-head meetings, but this year Real Madrid looks more stable.

On whether Real Madrid should drop a high defensive line to counter Madrid’s pace, Laudrup said it depends on balance in timing and execution.

He pointed out that Barcelona, despite their high attacking quality, no longer applies the same high press and press traps as last season, which gives opponents more space, potentially exploited by Mbappé who won’t fall into as many traps.

Asked about the possibility that coach Xabi Alonso could abandon the forward-press strategy to dodge threats from speedsters, Laudrup explained that it is a matter of balance and when to press. This is Alonso’s approach, and he won’t abandon it, but success rests on how and when the pressure is applied. If you don’t press the ball carrier, it’s very easy to pass behind the back line. Barcelona performed well in this area last season but have regressed somewhat this year.

Laudrup argued that the problem isn’t a single defender or line, but the team’s overall approach; the departure of Inigo Martínez had an impact, but it isn’t the root cause. It’s a collective issue: pressure starts from the front and finishes at the defense.

On the comparison between Alonso’s method and Carlo Ancelotti’s, Laudrup said the differences aren’t large; both rely on a 4-3-3, with small variations depending on available players.

He emphasized that the system doesn’t create the team; players implement it, and the biggest distinction comes from how Jude Bellingham is used as the link between the lines.

Laudrup expects Alonso to use three midfielders, with Bellingham acting as the connecting hub.

Bellingham is returning to full fitness after the surgery; against Juventus he showed a remarkable goal sense and an ability to find spaces, making him look more like an advanced playmaker than a classic midfielder.

Lamin Yamal is a rare talent.

When asked about a prominent comment that Barcelona only shines when Yamal performs, Laudrup replied that Yamal is exceptional, but Pedri remains Barcelona’s real key; when Pedri’s form drops, the team suffers because chances don’t reach the forwards. He is the real difference-maker.

Regarding the frequent comparisons between him and Pedri, Laudrup praised the youngster, saying many compare him to me, but he is more complete, closer to a total midfielder. It’s hard to find a player who combines individual skill with vision and consistency across a match.

On the debate between Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Laudrup says choosing between them is a luxury; both are elite, and Mbappé’s presence makes the competition tougher.

He added that Vinícius’s current status isn’t fixed and with the right support he can regain his best form.

In closing, Laudrup summed up his view: Yamal is a phenomenon, but Pedri decides Barcelona’s matches. Mbappé is at his best, and Vinícius will return if the team helps him. The key is to give young players time and space to mature without pressure.

Punchline 1: Yamal moves so fast that even the replay asks for a slow-motion refund.

Punchline 2: If football were a sniper’s joke, timing would be everything—and Laudrup would still be laughing from the bench after the perfect shot.