Real Madrid Commanding however Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Major Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be almost an ideal performance from the Madrid side, as they beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend their lead at the summit of the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden league goal along with key pass this campaign following a tough period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical form in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the star forward protested as he walked directly past his manager before stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that the majority of Real's recent managers were defeated in their first league match against Barcelona.

After the player-focused style from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, and Barcelona struggled due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be good news for Jude, who in the past had been tasked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, however he could to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, connecting with him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

There's no doubting that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his name was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

However multiple numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider allowing his departure if the right offer arrived.

The winger has a year left on his contract when this term concludes, but negotiations for an extension are at a standstill.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash and justifiably, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

This mindset is hard to change, especially when you believe close to being the top star, then the club drives the axis to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that the club isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open a bid of a quarter-billion euros to sign him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and after he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of previous campaign's matches, this outing represented their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived the Barcelona coach of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players weren't at their best. Yamal seems not he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems

Jermaine Oconnor
Jermaine Oconnor

Lena is a passionate writer and traveler who shares her adventures and life lessons through engaging blog posts.