Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Issues Grow – Key Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be almost a flawless day from Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals 2-1 in the Clasico and stretch their lead at the top in La Liga with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his maiden goal in the league along with assist this campaign after a challenging period healing from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in front of goal, and the coach's game plan in his first Clasico in the dugout worked brilliantly.

But then the Brazilian's situation emerged again once more.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way right by Xabi Alonso before marched down the tunnel, then returning to the bench several minutes.

Alonso System Yields Results for Jude Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their first league match with Barcelona.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

An expert noted, “He got it spot on. Madrid performed excellently, while Barca didn't play well because of the home team's approach.”

Defensively, they pushed up as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, all players including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barcelona could not find a way through.”

The new system appears to be good news for Bellingham, who previously was expected to do everything in the center and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old played on the right, however he had the freedom to move centrally and either link with Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert added, With the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings increased movement and better ability to shut down the channels.”

“That forced the team to position Jude wide right. Undoubtedly he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and found openings, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Exposed

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out on several occasions by a fervent home supporters.

Yet there have been numerous stories lately that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave should a suitable bid was made.

The winger will have one season to go on his contract when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior after coming off late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, teammates intervened when he moved toward Yamal.

Balague said, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is hard to change, particularly since you consider yourself near the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

“This season he believes that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, so when he was taken off – fairly, since he wasn't defending as expected – in his mind he questions ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Crumbles”

After winning all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted their uncertain beginning of the season.

Absences have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing without them.

The analyst said, The squad seems is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer in pressing.”

They are more vulnerable to attack them. When the backline is flawed, which was the case the first goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they are not helped by teammates not closing down opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

The big names weren't at their best. Lamine seems not he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from injury issues