El Clasico Talking Points: Real Madrid impress but Vinicius Junior’s nerves are growing

After winning all four Clásicos last season, Sunday’s performance was emblematic of Barcelona’s unconvincing start to the season.

Injuries have deprived Hansi Flick of key players including Rafinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system cannot function without them.

“It’s as if the whole team has become less intense without the ball, less hungry to get it back, less aggressive to regain possession,” Balage said.

“It’s easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, as it wasn’t in Mbappe’s goal because Alejandro Balde played him wide, then the midfield and strikers who don’t close the ball as they should will not help them.

Lamine Yamal, Real Madrid’s president last season, has been largely kept in check.

“Their stars were not at their best. Lamine is not feeling well, perhaps he has hip problems that do not allow him to show his talent.

“Barcelona a year ago in which Mbappé offsided eight times, when Lewandowski, Rafinha and Lamine played together, is gone for the moment.

“They miss Rafinha in attack but also in defence, and the strength he adds.”

Marcus Rashford has been a shining light for Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester United, but on Sunday he looked vulnerable.

“He was trying to create danger on the left side, but he often found himself alone and could not beat the Real Madrid defence.

He added: “Barcelona attacked very quickly, which meant they had to overcome one, two or three defenders.

“He felt a little isolated and lost the ball a lot in the second half. He couldn’t create much danger, but he helped score the goal. That came after Barcelona had the ball for the second time in 40 minutes. They don’t do that often, so their style is falling apart.”