The Madrid Giants Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Key El Clasico Takeaways

The match represented practically a perfect outing from Real Madrid, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico and increase their lead at the summit in La Liga by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his first goal in the league and setup this campaign following a difficult period healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe showed his lethal performance in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby as coach functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, the star forward protested on his way straight past the coach and marched down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering the majority of Real's previous eight coaches were defeated in their initial league match with Barcelona.

Following the relaxed style from the previous coach did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. The home side were impressive, and the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they fell back in an organised way, all players including the forward.”

The team's shape in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barca were unable to break through.”

This approach appears to be beneficial for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to come inside and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert stated, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get greater energy and more ways to shut down the channels.”

This led to them to put Bellingham wide right. Certainly he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

Yet recently there were countless reports over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The expert said, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe on the verge of the top star, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the club is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – in his mind he thinks why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Injuries have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

Key players were below par. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems

Adam Little
Adam Little

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