Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Strains Intensify – Important El Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be practically a perfect outing for Real Madrid, as they overcame their arch-rivals two goals to one in El Clasico to increase their lead at the top of La Liga to five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his maiden league goal along with assist this term following a tough few months recovering from surgery on his shoulder.

The French forward maintained his lethal form in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut El Clasico as coach functioned brilliantly.

Yet the Vinicius Junior question reared its head another time.

Unhappy with being substituted, Vinicius complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before marched off the pitch, before returning to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Results for the Midfielder

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's previous eight bosses were defeated in their initial La Liga encounter with Barca.

After the player-focused method under Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded an important victory.

Spanish football analyst observed, “He got it spot on. The home side performed excellently, and the visitors were off-color because of the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up for as long as they could, if overcome, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”

The team's shape in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he last season was expected to cover multiple roles in midfield and beyond.

In the lineup the 22-year-old started wide right, however he could to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst continued, “By using Camavinga in the center, this provides increased movement and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

This led to the team to position Jude on the right flank. Certainly he was instructed to keep an eye on the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and be around the outskirts of the area, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barcelona's life challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

There's no doubting that Madridistas love Vinicius, his chant was chanted on several occasions by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

But there have been countless reports lately that Real Madrid might think about letting him leave if the right offer was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go on his deal at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of strained relations. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward the Barcelona player.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and justifiably, because it showed disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived in a hostile world, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

Such thinking is hard to change, particularly since you feel on the verge of the top star, then the club redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

Recently he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, potentially club-sourced, or unchallenged by officials, that they would be open if someone paid a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he thinks why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations with the club and the player now.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing when they are missing.

Balague commented, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal because Alejandro Balde played him onside, they receive little support by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as well as they should.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. Yamal seems not he's in good form, possibly because of a groin issue

Andrew May
Andrew May

A tech strategist and innovation consultant with over a decade of experience in Silicon Valley and global markets.