Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Escalate – Important Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca by a 2-1 scoreline during the Clasico to increase the gap at the summit in the domestic championship by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league and setup of the season after a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

The French forward maintained his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico in the dugout functioned like a charm.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated with coming off, the star forward ranted while walking directly past his manager before headed to the dressing room, then returning to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Yields Success from Jude Bellingham

As first Clasicos go, it was a solid start, especially since seven of Real's recent bosses lost their first La Liga encounter against their rivals.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model yielded an important victory.

An expert commented, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were impressive, while Barca didn't play well due to what Real Madrid were doing.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks with a gap of a short distance. Barcelona struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, Employing Camavinga in the center, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

“That forced them to position Jude wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and had space, connecting with him a few times.”

He was told to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Laid Bare

Undoubtedly that the fans adore Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

But there have been numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated strained relations. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

The expert commented, “Everyone will have a go at him for good reason, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for the substitute who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a hostile world, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is hard to change, notably when you consider yourself on the verge of number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the main man.”

During this campaign he's felt that Real Madrid is not defending him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when the coach substituted him – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in Vinicius' head he thinks ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to build a bridge between the club and him now.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the approach is not effective without them.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, not as eager to regain possession, softer in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on the first goal because Alejandro Balde kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

“Their stars weren't at their best. Yamal doesn't feel like in top condition, maybe due to a groin issue