Alcorta backs Real Madrid’s El Clasico line-up and says Vinicius Junior must wait

Rafa Alcorta has urged Jose Mourinho to retain the starting XI that helped Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1, even after Vinicius Junior returned to the squad and became available for selection.

The former Real Madrid player praised the team’s performance in El Clasico and said the side that began the match should be trusted in the biggest fixtures. His comments were reported by Defensa Central after he appeared on the Carrusel Deportivo programme on Cadena SER.

“Real Madrid did things well,” Alcorta said. “The starting XI that played against Barcelona is the team for the big games. There is no doubt about that: Vinicius must sit on the bench.”

His verdict has reopened discussion about how the Brazil international should be used in the team, with Alcorta putting the collective performance ahead of making an immediate return for the forward.

Alcorta was particularly impressed by Real Madrid’s first-half display.

“Real Madrid played their best first half of the season,” he said.

He also acknowledged that the contest changed after the interval, when Barcelona enjoyed more control of possession.

“Barcelona had more of the ball in the second half,” Alcorta added.

The former Real Madrid player identified Jude Bellingham as a potential leader, saying: “When we talk about leadership, Bellingham has the character to be a captain.”

Alcorta also compared Bernardo Silva with Arda Guler when discussing the role of a central midfielder and playmaker. Although he praised both players, he preferred the experience of the Portugal international in that particular position.

“For me, Bernardo Silva is better than Guler in the central midfield position as a playmaker because he understands the demands of the role better,” he said.

He was equally emphatic when discussing Yan Diomande, highlighting the player’s contribution at both ends of the pitch.

“What a wonderful player Diomande is,” Alcorta said. “He is everywhere, helps in defence, contributes in attack and poses a threat to the opposition.”

That balance between defensive discipline and attacking danger explains why Alcorta wants Real Madrid to keep the team that faced Barcelona. He believes the line-up demonstrated it could create opportunities while also protecting the side when required.

Based on what he saw in El Clasico, Alcorta wants Mourinho to continue with the same starting group in matches demanding the highest level of readiness. Under that approach, Vinicius would have to wait for his opportunity from the substitutes’ bench.

Barcelona are listed in La Liga action on 31 October 2026, while Deportivo Alaves and Racing Santander are also scheduled to feature in La Liga on 1 November 2026. Real Madrid are also listed in the La Liga schedule for 1 November 2026.