Real Madrid Strong yet Vinicius Junior Issues Intensify – Important Spanish Derby Highlights

It was nearly a perfect performance for Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals two goals to one during the Clasico and extend their advantage in first place in the Spanish league with a five-point cushion.

Bellingham notched his first league goal along with assist this campaign after a tough spell coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger protested on his way right by his manager and stormed to the dressing room, then reappearing to the bench after a short while.

Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, Alonso did well, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league encounter with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused style of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

A specialist commented, His plan was perfect. Madrid performed excellently, and the visitors struggled because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they tracked back with discipline, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two layers spaced by a short distance. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change looks to be beneficial for Jude, as he in the past had been tasked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper the 22-year-old started wide right, however he could to come inside and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

Balague continued, With Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and better ability to close down the channels.”

As a result the team to deploy Bellingham on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung repeatedly by a fervent home supporters.

However multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

He has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, Many will criticize him for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been amid adversity, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

Such thinking is tough to overcome, particularly since you believe close to being the best player, and the organization drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he's felt that the organization is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after he was taken off – fairly, as he ceased tracking back as expected – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and the player now.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is failing without them.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards failing to press those on the ball as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief earlier, was neutralized.

Key players did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, perhaps he's suffering from a groin issue

Robert Stephens
Robert Stephens

Elara is a financial strategist with over a decade of experience in wealth management and startup consulting.

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