Vinicius Jr shouldn't be laughing at Barcelona - he's El Clasico's biggest loser

Analysis

Tom Weber | Writer

Vinicius Jr took to social media to laugh at Barcelona after Real Madrid's impressive El Clasico win - but he had no reason to be in a good mood after that match.

Heading into Sunday's fixture, many felt that the result was a foregone conclusion. Barcelona had been in ridiculous goalscoring form in LaLiga, whereas Real Madrid have been largely underwhelming for most of the season.

What's more, the Catalans had a chip on their shoulder and were looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat to reigning European champions PSG. El Clasico could have been a slaughter - it was anything but.

Barcelona were overawed by the occasion and the bold approach of Real Madrid and struggled to get into the game. Los Blancos set up perfectly to limit the influence of Rodri and Pedri in the reigning champions' midfield, which was ultimately the foundation of their success.

Although Barcelona grew into the game in the second half and were the dominant force after cancelling out Kylian Mbappe's fortunate opener, Real Madrid landed the decisive blow in the 87th minute when Eduardo Camavinga bamboozled Pau Cubarsi and set up his compatriot's brace.

Real Madrid are better without Vinicius

Barcelona are still top of LaLiga, but winning 2-1 at the Camp Nou is a major statement from Real Madrid, who have closed the gap to their hated rivals to within three points. Tellingly, they did it without superstar winger Vinicius Jr.

The Brazil international was sitting out the second game of his four-match LaLiga suspension, and as predicted, his ban has been a blessing in disguise for Jose Mourinho. On the basis of how Vini has performed this season, it was easy to see that Real Madrid would be better without him.

After the match, the 26-year-old took to social media to share Real Madrid's full-time post with four crying-laughing emojis - seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is the biggest loser of Los Blancos' big win. Yan Diomande - once again - starred in Vini's absence.

The 19-year-old is increasingly living up to his hefty €125 million price tag and has been in irresistible form in recent games. Diomande has bagged three goals and three assists in the last five games, including a stunning volley against RB Leipzig in the Champions League last week.

The Ivorian terrified Barcelona's defence with his speed and directness. He has that youthful, explosive spark that Vinicius seems to have lost over the past 18 months or two years - and he works better defensively than his Brazilian counterpart.

On current form, it is undeniable that Diomande should start over Vinicius on the left. Of course, this is easier said than done given the dressing room politics at Real Madrid, but you would think that Mourinho, with his experience and ruthlessness in pursuit of success, would have the guts to make such a big call.

The Portuguese certainly seems to be recognising, albeit slowly, that he can't keep defending Vini's poor showings. Speaking ahead of the Leipzig clash last week, in which he started the 26-year-old over Diomande, he insisted that there are no "untouchables" at Real Madrid.

"The only thing untouchable is the badge," Mourinho emphasised when asked if Vinicius' starting position was in danger. "I don't like this concept of an untouchable player. What makes a player untouchable is their performance on the field."

The week prior, Mourinho also admitted that he would probably have "forced" a move away from Real Madrid if he had been in Vinicius' shoes this summer. It is becoming increasingly difficult to disagree with this sentiment.

Vinicius had the chance to join reigning Premier League champions Arsenal. It would have been a risk, to be sure, but it could also have been a much-needed change of scenery for the struggling winger.

Instead, he stayed put, signed a huge new contract that seems to weigh heavily on him and is now on the verge of becoming surplus to requirements. Vini might not be laughing for much longer.

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