Real Madrid Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Clasico Takeaways

The match represented practically a perfect outing from the Madrid side, who beat their arch-rivals by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to increase the gap at the summit in La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league and assist of the season following a tough spell recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward continued his lethal performance in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

Yet the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Frustrated with being substituted, the star forward protested while walking directly past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before coming back to the bench several minutes.

Alonso System Gets Results for Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent coaches were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti fell short last season, Alonso's positional game-model delivered its first major result.

A specialist noted, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back with discipline, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems positive for Bellingham, who previously was essentially asked to carry the midfield in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically Bellingham was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or enter the box.

Balague continued, With Camavinga in central midfield, you get more dynamism and better ability to close down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to position Jude on the right flank. Undoubtedly he was instructed to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he found him repeatedly.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he is very dangerous. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by a fervent Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been countless reports in recent months that the club would consider selling him if an attractive proposal arrived.

Vinicius has one year remaining on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half suggested tension. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The analyst said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed poor sportsmanship for the substitute who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you believe on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when the coach substituted him – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

The expert commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was kept largely in check.

Key players were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like in top condition, possibly because of a groin issue

Desiree Willis
Desiree Willis

Elara is a seasoned casino strategist with over a decade of experience in gaming analysis and player education.