Los Blancos Commanding but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Clasico Highlights

The match represented almost an ideal outing from the Madrid side, as they defeated Barcelona two goals to one in the Clasico and increase the gap at the summit in the Spanish league to five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his first league goal along with key pass this campaign after a difficult few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch when scoring, and the manager's strategy in his first El Clasico on the sidelines functioned perfectly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head once more.

Unhappy at coming off, the Brazilian winger protested while walking right by Xabi Alonso and headed down the tunnel, then returning to the substitute area later.

Tactical Setup Yields Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight managers lost their initial La Liga match with Barca.

Following the player-focused approach from the previous coach fell short last season, his structured approach produced an important victory.

A specialist noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while the visitors struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

The new system looks to be good news for the midfielder, who in the past was essentially asked to carry the midfield in the center and additional duties.

On paper the 22-year-old was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Jude wide right. I'm sure his role included to track the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, connecting with him a few times.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him were sung repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

Yet recently there were countless reports in recent months that Los Blancos would consider selling him should a suitable bid were to come in.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal have stalled.

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

The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has existed in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is hard to change, especially when you believe on the verge of the best player, but the team shifts the focus towards Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he has perceived that the organization has not supported him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept an offer worth a quarter-billion euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to reconcile with the club and him at the moment.”

Barcelona Style “Falls Apart”

Following victories in each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, the striker and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The analyst said, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp when not in possession, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive to get the possession back.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, they are not helped by the midfield and forwards not challenging the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

The young talent, who troubled Madrid of Real last season, was well contained.

Key players were below par. Yamal seems not he is at his best, possibly because of injury issues

Michael Decker
Michael Decker

A tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind emerging technologies and their impact on society.