The Madrid Giants Impressive yet Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important Spanish Derby Highlights

This proved to be practically a flawless performance from Real Madrid, as they overcame Barcelona by a 2-1 scoreline in the Clasico and extend their lead at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham scored his inaugural goal in the league and key pass of the season following a difficult period healing from a shoulder operation.

The French forward maintained his deadly form in front of goal, while Alonso's tactics in his first derby as coach worked perfectly.

But then the Vinicius Junior question emerged again another time.

Dissatisfied with his substitution, the star forward ranted while walking straight past his manager before stormed to the dressing room, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from Bellingham

For a debut Clasico, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Madrid's last eight managers were defeated in their debut La Liga meeting against Barcelona.

After the laissez-faire approach under Ancelotti failed to get results in the previous campaign, the new tactical system yielded its first major result.

An expert noted, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid were very good, while Barca struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, and if they were beaten, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including the forward.”

“They defended in two lines separated by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The new system looks to be good news for the midfielder, who previously was essentially asked to cover multiple roles in the engine room and more.

On paper the young star started wide right, however he was allowed to drift inward and support Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The expert continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, you get increased movement and more ways to block the channels.”

This led to the team to position Bellingham wide right. I'm sure he was instructed to track the runs of Mbappe on the ball and had space, and he located him repeatedly.”

His instructions included to get into the box and be around just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life challenging.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

It's clear that the fans are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out repeatedly by a fervent Madrid fans.

Yet recently there were numerous stories in recent months that Los Blancos would consider allowing his departure if the right offer was made.

He will have one year remaining on his deal come the end of the season, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

The player's reaction after coming off in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, teammates intervened as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

Balague commented, He will face backlash for good reason, as it demonstrated disrespect for the substitute who replaced him.”

“But since being a kid, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you feel close to being the top star, then the club shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

“This season he believes that the club isn't protecting him. There are stories, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they might accept a bid of 250m euros for his transfer and allow him to leave.”

He is aware of this, and when he was taken off – reasonably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as he should – to him he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

“It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and the player now.”

Their System “Struggles”

Following victories in all four of last season's matches, the latest display represented Barcelona's unconvincing beginning of the season.

Absences have deprived Hansi Flick of crucial contributors including Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup isn't working without them.

The analyst said, “It's like the whole team are slightly off defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to break them down. Should the defense is not perfect, as it wasn't Mbappe's strike as Balde failed to step up, they are not helped from the attack not challenging opponents in possession as expected.”

Yamal, who troubled Madrid earlier, was neutralized.

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