Real Madrid Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important El Clasico Talking Points

This proved to be almost an ideal outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during the famous derby to extend the gap in first place of La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and setup this campaign following a difficult few months recovering from shoulder surgery.

The French forward showed his deadly form in attack, while Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico on the sidelines functioned like a charm.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, Vinicius protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso and marched off the pitch, then coming back to the bench later.

Alonso System Delivers Results from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Madrid's recent managers were defeated in their first league match against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, his structured approach delivered an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they fell back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

“They defended in two lines with a gap of a short distance. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The new system appears to be positive for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and more.

In the lineup the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague continued, “By using the French midfielder in the middle, you get increased movement and additional options to block the channels.”

This led to the team to put Bellingham on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements in possession with room, connecting with him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

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

The winger has one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted late in the game indicated strained relations. When the match ended, he was held back when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The analyst noted, Many will criticize him and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

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

This mindset is tough to overcome, particularly since you feel near number one in the world, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to reconcile among the parties and the player currently.”

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's matches, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The expert stated, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the first goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Yamal appears in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues

Jose Huynh
Jose Huynh

A technology strategist with over a decade of experience in digital innovation and business transformation, passionate about making tech accessible.