Focus on playing football, Lamine Yamal!

Before the match, Lamine Yamal provoked by claiming that Real Madrid only knows how to "steal and then complain." It seemed Yamal had psych himself up to perform well against Real, but instead, the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner showed he is better at talking than delivering on the pitch.

Yamal should talk less and do more

Yamal really heated up the El Clasico with his arrogant remarks. On the night before the game, he even posted a photo of angry Madrid fans throwing sticks at him after he scored at Bernabeu last season, only to have it backfire on him. Yamal’s words are inappropriate for a professional footballer, especially at just 18 years old—the age when one should “think before speaking.” Moreover, as a global star and the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, he influences young fans, especially kids. Yet, Yamal seemed unfazed and kept spouting off.

Meanwhile, Real’s stars, especially Mbappe, focused solely on shining on the pitch. Besides the fact that this is a fierce rivalry and Real’s only mission was to win, they were further motivated by Yamal’s provocative remarks. Real’s drive to beat Barca reached an all-time high. The result, Real defeated Barca 2-1. A one-goal margin was enough for Real to dominate the standings, and Mbappe sent a simple message to Yamal: “Talk less and do more. If you’re a man, step up and compete, instead of just using your words.”

Based on recent events both on and off the pitch, Yamal increasingly resembles his idol Neymar. On his good days, no defense can stop him, but gradually it’s clear the Spanish star still plays on impulse and emotion rather than showing mature game intelligence and emotional control. Furthermore, Yamal struggled against Alvaro Carreras. Barca’s number 10 was tightly marked and outmatched in one-on-one duels by Carreras. The former Man United player’s impressive performance pleased Alonso and president Perez, considering the large fee paid to bring him from Benfica. Now, Carreras is proving to be worth every penny.

Overall, in the first half, Yamal had one shot off target, lost possession 8 times, completed only one successful dribble, and made just 4 passes in the final third. Against Real, Yamal lacked his usual fiery runs and creative dribbling, instead showing a disappointingly harmless performance.

At Yamal’s age, it’s unrealistic to expect too much. He needs time to improve, but Barca should be careful not to pamper him excessively. Everyone knows Yamal has all the qualities to become the world’s best player. However, he must focus more on self-development to reach the level of Xavi or Iniesta, let alone compare with Messi or Ronaldo.

Real Madrid exploited Barcelona's defensive weakness

This match was not only a huge morale boost but also a statement of tactical change and squad depth under new coach Xabi Alonso. After a disappointing loss to Atletico Madrid, Alonso faced his first El Clasico as Real’s head coach with the team needing to prove its mettle. Meanwhile, Barcelona, weakened by injuries and missing coach Hansi Flick on the sidelines, couldn’t match Real.

While Barca might have been able to secure a draw, Real’s performance made the three points well deserved. Real’s thorough exploitation of Barcelona’s high defensive line—a strength that helped Barca dominate last season’s El Clasicos—is a prime example. Mbappe’s speed and positioning combined with sharp midfield passes turned Barca’s risky formation into a vulnerability. This issue has been discussed many times, but Flick struggled to adjust.

Besides an explosive attack, Real’s defense showed clear improvement. New signings Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras impressed in their first El Clasico starts. Huijsen returned from injury and coordinated well with Eder Militão to neutralize many Barca attacks. Meanwhile, Carreras completely silenced young talent Lamine Yamal.

This victory not only helps Real Madrid maintain the top spot in La Liga with a 5-point lead over Barcelona but also symbolizes the end of their recent inferiority to their biggest rival. If they keep up this form, Xabi Alonso’s squad can aim for a successful season and reclaim the number one position in La Liga from their archrivals.

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