Los Blancos Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Key Clasico Takeaways

It was almost a perfect outing from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they beat Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in El Clasico to increase the gap in first place in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league along with assist this term after a challenging few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal form in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first El Clasico on the sidelines proved brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question emerged again once more.

Unhappy with his substitution, the star forward complained on his way directly past the coach before marched to the dressing room, then reappearing to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Gets Results for the Midfielder

In his first derby, it was a solid start, especially since the majority of Real's recent bosses lost their initial league match against Barca.

After the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced an important victory.

A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high as much as possible, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup with two banks separated by a short distance. The opposition could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be beneficial for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

Theoretically the 22-year-old started wide right, but in practice he had the freedom to come inside and assist the attack or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides more dynamism and more ways to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to position Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements on the ball and had space, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to enter the area and operate on just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to block central spaces and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Laid Bare

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were various accounts lately that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have a year left on his contract when this term concludes, yet negotiations for an extension have stalled.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off in the second half indicated tension. When the match ended, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash and justifiably, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute taking his place.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a hostile world, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you believe near number one in the world, then the club shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived 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 for his transfer and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and when Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

It may be challenging to mend relations with the club and Vinicius now.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in each of the recent matches, Sunday's performance represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, The squad seems lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to create chances against them. Should the defense is flawed, like on the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they receive little support by the midfield and forwards not closing down the ball-carrier adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

Key players did not perform well. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, possibly because of groin problems

Jasmin Curtis
Jasmin Curtis

A software engineer and tech writer passionate about open-source projects and digital transformation, with over a decade of industry experience.