Madrid – The 2025/26 Clásico sparks chaos on and off the pitch

The latest Clásico didn’t just end with goals and drama on the pitch — it ignited a storm that has spilled far beyond the Bernabéu. Real Madrid’s emphatic 3-0 win over a Barcelona side weakened by injuries and controversial refereeing decisions has unleashed a wave of ridicule on social media, where Madrid fans have targeted Barça stars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, mocking them as “youthful failures” after both left the Ballon d’Or gala empty-handed while Ousmane Dembélé took the prize.

The insults have escalated into full-blown attacks on Barcelona, branded online as a “fallen empire” that is “weak” and “without hope of returning to the elite.” Vinícius Júnior added fuel to the fire with an explosive post-match declaration: “The era of dominance belongs to Madrid now, while Barça are nothing but a pitiful shadow of the past.”

A storm on social media

The final whistle sealed Madrid’s triumph — with Vinícius netting twice and Mbappé adding the third — but it also triggered a digital avalanche. The hashtag #BarçaSombraLastimosa (“pitiful shadow Barça”) trended with over half a million mentions, driven by memes of Yamal crying and Raphinha “disappearing.” Influential Madrid accounts gloated: “Yamal and Raphinha: empty-handed at the Ballon d’Or, just like Barça with trophies. A fallen empire that even Ancelotti doesn’t respect,” read one viral post with 50,000 likes.

Culé fans quickly countered, citing their 2024/25 treble and accusing Madrid of relying on “refereeing favors.” Past wounds resurfaced, including the racist insults Yamal suffered in the previous Clásico, with the teenager responding calmly: “Taunts hurt less than the goals we’ll score in the return leg.” Raphinha posted on Instagram alongside Yamal: “Empty hands today, clenched fists tomorrow. Visca Barça,” a message that drew over a million interactions.

Vinícius at the center of the storm

The Brazilian star, who has 18 goals and 10 assists this season, didn’t hold back: “Barça live off past glories. We’re building the future with Mbappé, Bellingham, and me. Yamal has talent, but without a big team around him, he won’t shine.” His words, while fiery, also stirred controversy given his own public battles against racism, where Yamal had previously stood by him. Madrid president Florentino Pérez backed him subtly: “Madrid is the greatest club in the world. Barça should look in the mirror.”

LaLiga in turmoil

The fallout comes as Barcelona struggle in fifth place with 10 points, missing key players Pedri and Gavi, while Madrid sit top with 18. Barça coach Hansi Flick urged calm: “Words sting, but trophies heal. We’ll answer on the pitch.” Ancelotti, in contrast, downplayed tensions: “Rivalry is healthy. Respect is essential.”

Still, UEFA is investigating chants at the Bernabéu, and LaLiga may impose sanctions for “incitement of hatred.” Internationally, ESPN dubbed the saga a “Spanish Cold War,” while in Brazil, Vinícius and Raphinha’s rivalry has divided loyalties.

For 17-year-old Yamal, once thrilled to play in the Clásico, it’s a harsh lesson: “As a kid I dreamed of this game. Now I know how much it hurts to win — and to lose.”

As Barça prepare to face Benfica in the Champions League, the question lingers: Can they silence Madrid’s taunts, or will the “pitiful shadow” label stick? One thing is certain — when the two giants clash again in December, the fire will be even hotter. In El Clásico, words are weapons… but goals remain the ultimate revenge.