Vinicius faces fresh Real Madrid test as Diomande stakes claim after El Clasico

Vinicius Junior’s position at Real Madrid is facing renewed scrutiny after Ivory Coast international Yan Diomande took advantage of his absence to impress in Sunday’s El Clasico.

Vinicius missed Real Madrid’s latest meeting with Barcelona through suspension, as the Spanish club secured a 2-1 victory at Spotify Camp Nou. He was serving a four-match ban, but Diomande’s performance has raised questions about whether the Brazilian will return immediately to Jose Mourinho’s starting XI.

Diomande has forced his way into contention with a series of strong displays and made a particularly positive impression in the Clasico. The debate at Real Madrid is therefore no longer simply about Vinicius’ absence, but also about where he fits into Mourinho’s plans when he becomes available again.

There are also reminders of the difficulties Vinicius faced during last season’s corresponding fixture. In the first La Liga Clasico of that campaign, he was the centre of attention after reacting angrily to his substitution by Xabi Alonso, despite Real Madrid winning 2-1 against Barcelona.

Alonso replaced Vinicius in the 72nd minute, sending Rodrygo on in his place. The Brazilian left the pitch and headed towards the dressing rooms before quickly returning to take his place among the substitutes.

A period of tension between Alonso and Vinicius followed that match. It eventually ended with the Spanish manager leaving his position, while Vinicius’ form also declined as Real Madrid finished the season without a trophy for the second consecutive campaign.

The forward now faces a similar test following Diomande’s recent rise. Mourinho’s decisions in the Champions League have added to the uncertainty, with the Portuguese manager taking Vinicius off in each of Real Madrid’s last two matches in the competition.

Vinicius was substituted in the 59th minute against Roma before being withdrawn again in the 70th minute during the match against Leipzig. Those decisions came while he was suspended in La Liga, meaning he did not require a rest because of a league fixture.

Mourinho’s choices have opened up several possibilities regarding Vinicius’ status in his manager’s project, including whether the forward will be asked to perform a different role from the one he has held in recent years.

Last season’s Clasico became a decisive moment in Vinicius’ career at Real Madrid. This season’s meeting could have different consequences, but Diomande’s emergence means the Brazilian may have to reclaim his place rather than simply resume it.

The upcoming La Liga listings include Barcelona on 31 October 2026, while Deportivo Alaves face Racing Santander on 1 November 2026. Real Madrid are also listed in the La Liga schedule.

The question now is whether history will repeat itself, with the Clasico marking the beginning of another difficult period for Vinicius, or whether he can respond strongly enough to send Diomande back to the substitutes’ bench.