The Madrid Giants Strong however Vinicius Issues Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways

This proved to be nearly a flawless day from the Madrid side, who overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline during El Clasico and stretch their advantage in first place in the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural league goal along with assist of the season following a difficult spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his lethal touch in attack, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico as coach proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question emerged again yet again.

Unhappy at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained while walking right by his manager and marched down the tunnel, before reappearing on the sidelines after a short while.

Alonso System Delivers Results for Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's recent managers lost their debut league encounter against Barca.

After the player-focused approach from the previous coach failed to get results in the previous campaign, Alonso's positional game-model produced a significant outcome.

An expert observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona didn't play well because of Madrid's tactics.”

Defensively, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.”

This approach appears to be positive for Bellingham, as he in the past was expected to do everything in midfield and additional duties.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, however he had the freedom to come inside and support Mbappe or enter the box.

The expert stated, “By using Camavinga in the center, it brings greater energy and more ways to close down the spaces.”

As a result them to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe in possession with room, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and operate on the edge of the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options and cause Barca's task very difficult.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

There's no doubting that supporters adore Vinicius, calls for him were sung repeatedly by the passionate home supporters.

Yet there have been numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid would consider selling him should a suitable bid arrived.

He will have a year left on his contract come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction to being replaced late in the game suggested issues. Post-game, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The analyst commented, Many will criticize him and rightly so, since it displayed disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived amid adversity, and he feels that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, particularly since you consider yourself on the verge of the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. Reports suggest, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they would be open if someone paid €250 million for him and sell him.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as required – in Vinicius' head he says why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile with the club and the player now.”

Their System “Crumbles”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky early form.

Absences have left without Hansi Flick of important stars such as the Brazilian winger, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

The expert stated, “It's like the whole team is a little bit less sharp defensively, less hungry to recover it, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to attack them. When the backline is not organized, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by the midfield and forwards failing to press the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was kept largely in check.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, possibly because of a groin issue

Gary Kim
Gary Kim

A seasoned gaming journalist with over a decade of experience in casino industry analysis and slot machine reviews.