Los Blancos Strong however Vinicius Strains Grow – Key Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be practically a perfect day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who defeated Barca by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico to stretch the gap at the top in the Spanish league to five points.

The English midfielder got his maiden domestic strike and setup of the season after a challenging spell healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical touch in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico in the dugout worked perfectly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head once more.

Dissatisfied at being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking straight past Xabi Alonso and headed to the dressing room, before coming back to the bench after a short while.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's last eight bosses were defeated in their debut La Liga encounter with their rivals.

Following the relaxed approach of Carlo Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and the visitors struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high consistently, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers spaced by 5-10 meters. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be positive for Jude, as he previously had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The expert added, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and additional options to shut down the spaces.”

This led to them to deploy Jude on the right flank. I'm sure he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, connecting with him on several occasions.”

He was told to get into the box and operate on just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

It's clear that the fans adore Vinicius, his chant rang out repeatedly by the passionate Bernabeu crowd.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that the club would consider letting him leave should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, but negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

His response to being replaced late in the game indicated issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Yamal.

The expert noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect for the substitute who came on for him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, especially when you consider yourself close to being the best player, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or unchallenged by officials, that they might accept an offer worth 250m euros for his transfer and sell him.”

This affects him, and when he was taken off – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he thinks why always me?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations between the club and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in all four of last season's Clasicos, Sunday's performance highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of important stars such as Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off without the ball, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to break them down. Should the defense is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down those on the ball as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

“Their stars were below par. The youngster doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to groin problems

Kenneth Hayden
Kenneth Hayden

Lena is a tech enthusiast and software developer with a passion for gaming and digital innovation.