Carlo Ancelotti was heard to be telling Real Madrid youngster Vinicius Junior to “focus on the game, not the crowd” during Sunday’s El Clasico.
The Brazilian had been getting into various tussles during the typically feisty encounter, but the calm Ancelotti – who has been there, seen it and done it all before – encouraged his young winger to knuckle down rather than get distracted.
It was a sign of Ancelotti‘s impact on the game and it no doubt contributed to his side’s impressive win at the home of their oldest rivals.
Confrontation with Barcelona players
Vinicius had run-ins with Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique and Oscar Mingueza during the first half, and he certainly didn’t endear himself to the crowd either after celebrating David Alaba‘s fine opener vociferously.
The 21-year-old had seemed fired up all afternoon, and when he was removed in the second half he once again riled up the home support with his actions.
It looked like Vinicius had wanted to leave his mark on the Camp Nou and he certainly did that while also contributing to his team’s triumph.
These wins are proving almost the norm for Real Madrid in recent seasons.