Los Blancos Impressive but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Clasico Highlights

It was nearly a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barcelona 2-1 during the famous derby and stretch their advantage in first place in La Liga to five points.

The English midfielder scored his maiden domestic strike and assist this campaign following a challenging period healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly form when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby as coach worked perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, Vinicius ranted on his way directly past Xabi Alonso and stormed to the dressing room, then coming back on the sidelines later.

Alonso System Delivers Success for Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, considering seven of Real's last eight bosses were defeated in their first league match with Barca.

After the player-focused approach under Ancelotti did not deliver last season, Alonso's positional game-model produced its first major result.

Spanish football analyst commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled due to Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody even Vinicius.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by a short distance. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system seems positive for Bellingham, as he previously was expected to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the young star played on the right, but actually he had the freedom to move centrally and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, Employing the French midfielder in central midfield, you get increased movement and better ability to close down the channels.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly his role included to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball and had space, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to close the inside channels and make Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, calls for him were sung on several occasions by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were countless reports in recent months that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if an attractive proposal arrived.

The winger will have one season to go on his deal when this term concludes, yet talks over a new deal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach Yamal.

The analyst commented, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you believe close to being the best player, and the organization shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept if someone paid €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in his mind he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

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

Absences have robbed the manager of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski plus others, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear are slightly off defensively, less hungry to recover it, softer in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. If the defensive line is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball adequately.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars did not perform well. The youngster seems not in top condition, maybe due to groin problems

Sandra Lowe
Sandra Lowe

An environmental scientist and avid hiker who shares practical guides on eco-friendly living and wilderness exploration.