Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Strains Grow – Important Clasico Takeaways

It was almost an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca two goals to one in the Clasico and extend the gap at the summit in La Liga by five points.

Bellingham scored his maiden goal in the league and setup of the season after a challenging spell coming back from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe showed his clinical form when scoring, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico as coach functioned like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius reared its head yet again.

Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted while walking right by the coach and marched to the dressing room, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Tactical Setup Gets Positive Outcomes from Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, especially since the majority of Real's last eight managers were defeated in their initial league meeting with Barca.

Following the laissez-faire method under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

An expert commented, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, and the visitors didn't play well due to Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pushed up as much as possible, and if they were beaten, they fell back in a structured manner, everybody even the forward.”

Their defensive setup in two lines with a gap of five to 10 metres. Barcelona were unable to break through.”

The new system seems good news for the midfielder, as he last season had been tasked to do everything in midfield and more.

On paper Bellingham was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either support Mbappe or enter the box.

The analyst added, “By using the French midfielder in central midfield, it brings more dynamism and better ability to shut down the spaces.”

“That forced them to put Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to keep an eye on the forward's positioning on the ball with room, connecting with him repeatedly.”

He was told to get into the box and be around just outside the box, where he poses a threat. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating the opponent's play tough.”

Strained Relations Exposed

There's no doubting that supporters love Vinicius, his name were sung on several occasions by an enthusiastic home supporters.

However there have been various accounts over the past period that Real Madrid could entertain allowing his departure should a suitable bid was made.

The winger has a year left on his deal come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response when substituted with 20 minutes left indicated tension. When the match ended, teammates intervened when he moved toward Lamine Yamal.

Balague commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement taking his place.”

However, from a young age, he has lived amid adversity, and he believes that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the top star, and the organization redirects attention in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he has perceived that Real Madrid isn't protecting him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million for his transfer and let him go.”

This affects him, so when the coach substituted him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – to him he says why single me out?’.”

It may be challenging to reconcile with the club and the player at the moment.”

Barca's Approach “Struggles”

Having triumphed in all four of previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing was emblematic of their uncertain start to the campaign.

Fitness issues have left without the manager of important stars including the Brazilian winger, the striker plus others, and the tactical setup is failing in their absence.

The analyst stated, Barcelona appear is a little bit less sharp without the ball, with less desire to win it back, softer to get the possession back.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, which was the case the Mbappe goal since the defender kept him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack not closing down the ball-carrier as expected.”

Yamal, the main threat in previous meetings, was neutralized.

The big names weren't at their best. The youngster appears he is at his best, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems

James Hernandez
James Hernandez

A seasoned esports analyst and competitive gamer with over a decade of experience in strategy development and community coaching.