The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Spanish Derby Highlights

The match represented almost a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one during the Clasico and increase their lead at the top of the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder scored his first goal in the league along with setup of the season after a challenging spell coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Mbappe showed his lethal performance in front of goal, while the coach's game plan in his inaugural El Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.

However the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront once more.

Frustrated with his substitution, the star forward protested on his way straight past Xabi Alonso before headed to the dressing room, then coming back to the bench after a short while.

Tactical Setup Yields Results from Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti failed to get results last season, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, while the visitors were off-color due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure consistently, if overcome, they tracked back with discipline, all players even the forward.”

Their defensive setup with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be good news for Bellingham, who last season was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, Employing the French midfielder in the middle, it brings increased movement and better ability to block the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he located him a few times.”

He was told to move into the penalty area and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to close the inside channels creating the opponent's play very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, his chant rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic home supporters.

But there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his contract come the end of the season, but talks over a new deal are at a standstill.

His response to being replaced late in the game spoke of tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach Lamine Yamal.

The expert noted, Many will criticize him for good reason, since it displayed a lack of respect toward his replacement who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, he has existed in a hostile world, and he feels that he faces opposition.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, notably when you believe on the verge of the top star, then the club redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he has perceived that the organization is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and let him go.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as he should – in Vinicius' head he thinks why single me out?’.”

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

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of recent Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barca's shaky start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, less hungry to recover it, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the first goal as Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

Key players weren't at their best. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems

Jason Gray
Jason Gray

A Berlin-based political analyst with over a decade of experience covering German and European affairs.