Los Blancos Strong yet Vinicius Strains Grow – Major Clasico Takeaways

It was nearly a flawless day from the Madrid side, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 during the Clasico to stretch their lead at the top in the Spanish league by five points.

The English midfielder scored his inaugural domestic strike along with assist this campaign after a difficult few months recovering from a shoulder operation.

Mbappe maintained his lethal form in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural El Clasico on the sidelines worked brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more.

Unhappy at being substituted, the Brazilian winger complained as he walked right by the coach and stormed down the tunnel, before returning to the substitute area later.

Alonso System Delivers Success for Jude Bellingham

In his first derby, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their initial La Liga match with their rivals.

After the laissez-faire method of Carlo Ancelotti did not deliver in the previous campaign, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome.

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

“Without the ball, they pressed high for as long as they could, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two layers separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The tactical change seems beneficial for Bellingham, as he previously had been tasked to carry the midfield in the engine room and more.

Theoretically the young star started wide right, but actually he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or get into scoring positions.

Balague stated, Employing Camavinga in central midfield, this provides more dynamism and better ability to shut down the passing lanes.”

As a result the team to put Jude on the right-hand side. Certainly his role included to monitor Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and operate on the edge of the box, where he is very dangerous. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces creating Barca's task very difficult.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that the fans love Vinicius, his name rang out repeatedly by an enthusiastic Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Real Madrid could entertain selling him if an attractive proposal was made.

The winger has one season to go under his current terms come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction when substituted with 20 minutes left spoke of issues. After the full-time whistle, he was held back as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated disrespect toward his replacement who replaced him.”

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

Such thinking is difficult to shake, notably when you consider yourself close to being the best player, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that Real Madrid has not supported him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy if someone paid 250m euros for him and allow him to leave.”

This affects him, and after Alonso subbed him – fairly, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as expected – in his mind he questions why single me out?’.”

Building bridges will be tough to build a bridge between the club and Vinicius currently.”

Their System “Falls Apart”

Having triumphed in each of the last season's Clasicos, the latest display was emblematic of their uncertain beginning of the season.

Fitness issues have deprived the manager of crucial contributors including the Brazilian winger, Lewandowski plus others, and the approach is failing when they are missing.

The expert stated, The squad seems lack sharpness without the ball, less hungry to recover it, softer to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. Should the defense is flawed, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

Yamal, the main threat earlier, was well contained.

“Their stars did not perform well. Yamal appears he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues

David West
David West

A digital artist and design consultant with over a decade of experience in visual storytelling and creative innovation.