Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Junior Strains Grow – Key Spanish Derby Talking Points

It was practically an ideal outing for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico to stretch their lead at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural league goal along with key pass this campaign following a challenging period coming back from shoulder surgery.

Mbappe continued his clinical touch in attack, and the manager's strategy in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout functioned perfectly.

However the Brazilian's situation reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past his manager before stormed off the pitch, then returning on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, given that seven of Real's recent managers lost their first league encounter against Barca.

After the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst noted, “He got it spot on. The home side were very good, while the visitors didn't play well because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

Defensively, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, everybody even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

In the lineup Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he had the freedom to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst stated, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced the team to position Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball with room, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to enter the area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters adore Vinicius, his name was chanted repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

However there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if the right offer arrived.

The winger has one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated tension. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement taking his place.”

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

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you feel on the verge of the top star, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he's felt that the club isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he says why single me out?’.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Injuries have left without Hansi Flick of important stars including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective when they are missing.

The expert said, Barcelona appear lack sharpness without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. When the backline is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was kept largely in check.

The big names did not perform well. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue