Los Blancos Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Major El Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals 2-1 during the Clasico and extend the gap at the top in the domestic championship to five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike and key pass this campaign after a challenging spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward showed his clinical performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural Clasico as coach worked like a charm.

But then the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Frustrated at his substitution, the star forward ranted on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, then reappearing to the substitute area after a short while.

Manager's Approach Yields Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Real's recent bosses lost their debut league encounter against Barca.

After the relaxed method of Carlo Ancelotti fell short earlier, his structured approach delivered a significant outcome.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. The home side were very good, while the visitors were off-color because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the channels.”

“That forced them to position Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he would have been asked to track the forward's positioning when he had the ball with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. Additionally, he moved centrally to close the inside channels creating Barca's task challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out multiple times by a fervent home supporters.

But there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club might think about selling him if the right offer arrived.

He has one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted late in the game suggested issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

Balague said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you feel close to being the best player, and the organization shifts the focus to Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or not denied by the club, that they might accept if someone paid a quarter-billion euros for his transfer and let him go.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to mend relations with the club and the player now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning all four of last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective without them.

Balague said, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the first goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by teammates not challenging the ball-carrier as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was well contained.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine appears he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems