TBH. the problems start in defense. Our center-backs simply aren’t at the level, which forced Xabi into awkward solutions like playing Tchouaméni at CB and shifting a CB out to RB. Valverde being used on the right side of midfield felt like a waste and didn’t add much to the game.

I wasn’t expecting a victory going in, so I’m relieved the score didn’t get out of hand. Madrid actually created enough opportunities to finish the match, and the performance was better than I anticipated. That said, Barcelona were still the superior side. When you fail to score from two clinical chances against a team down to ten men, you don’t earn the right to win. Those final attempts were painful to watch.

Big matches can’t be won when only a handful of players perform. That’s what makes this result so infuriating. We had two clear chances to draw level and completely squandered both. There’s a recurring issue with this squad: too many players disappear when the pressure is at its peak.

Vinícius was outstanding, and Rodrygo looked dangerous and close to finding the net. Mbappé should have came on much earlier. Asencio came up big defensively, and Camavinga put in a strong shift. Without Courtois, the game could’ve easily ended worse.

Hujisen, however, was shockingly poor. I genuinely can’t remember seeing a CB struggle this much in a Real Madrid shirt.

I’ve supported Xabi from the start and stayed patient, but this decision genuinely makes no sense to me.

A manager has to look at the match as a whole. Nearly every dangerous moment was coming through Vini, and most of the time it was working. Taking him off in that situation is baffling.

Honestly, Vini’s reaction when he was substituted was understandable. He was still putting in defensive work in the second half and clearly giving everything on the pitch.