Clasico Showdown: Wenger Calls Real Madrid’s Victory a Battle of Men vs. Boys
27 October 2025
Overview
Arsene Wenger lauded Real Madrid’s performance in the Clasico versus Barcelona, saying the white team was clearly superior and praising Xabi Alonso for guiding Madrid’s balance and structure.
AS reported that Wenger analyzed the Bernabeu showdown that captured global attention, a match watched by fans around the world as one of the season’s marquee clashes.
Clash, Stats and Milestones
Madrid triumphed 2-1, reasserting dominance over Barcelona after last season’s run of even meetings. Wenger argued that Madrid controlled the game from both defense and attack, while Barca looked short of ideas in the final third.
He singled out Alonso, noting the balance he has instilled as a sign of a promising Madrid project. Stat heads noted Madrid fired 23 shots at Barca—the most for a debut Clasico coach in La Liga since 2003-04, underscoring the attacking intent of the night.
Jude Bellingham became the youngest Madrid player to score and assist in a Clasico this century, at 22 years and 119 days. Mbappé joined a distinguished list of Madrid forwards who've found the net against Barca this century, placing him among Ronaldo and Benzema in that regard.
Mbappé’s tally also places him among the century’s top scorers against Barca in all competitions, behind Ronaldo and Benzema, with 12 goals in 9 meetings so far.
Late Drama and Aftermath
The final minutes brought tension: Pedri received a red card after a second caution, with additional clashes near the technical areas that required intervention from officials. After the final whistle, a verbal exchange between Thibaut Courtois and Lamine Yamal highlighted the lingering intensity, with Antonio Rüdiger and Raphinha involved in surrounding scenes despite not being part of the match sheet.
Overall, Madrid’s win ended a recent Clasico drought, lifting them to 27 points atop La Liga, while Barca sat on 22. The 2024-2025 campaign had been challenging for Madrid in Clasicos across competitions, as Barca claimed several direct titles in head-to-head clashes.
