The Madrid Giants Impressive however Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important Spanish Derby Takeaways

This proved to be nearly a perfect performance from Xabi Alonso's squad, who beat Barca 2-1 during the Clasico and extend their lead at the top of La Liga with a five-point cushion.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden goal in the league along with assist this term after a difficult period healing from shoulder surgery.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his lethal performance in attack, while the manager's strategy during his debut derby as coach functioned brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question reared its head yet again.

Frustrated at being substituted, Vinicius complained as he walked directly past Xabi Alonso before headed off the pitch, before reappearing to the substitute area several minutes.

Manager's Approach Gets Positive Outcomes for Bellingham

In his first derby, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's previous eight managers lost their first La Liga match with Barca.

After the relaxed method under Ancelotti fell short in the previous campaign, the new tactical system delivered its first major result.

An expert observed, His plan was perfect. Real Madrid performed excellently, while Barca struggled because of what Real Madrid were doing.”

“Without the ball, they pressed high consistently, and when bypassed, they tracked back in an organised way, everybody even the forward.”

The team's shape with two banks separated by five to 10 metres. Barca struggled to penetrate.”

The tactical change appears to be good news for Bellingham, who in the past had been tasked to do everything in the center and beyond.

On paper Bellingham played on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and link with Mbappe or crash the penalty area.

The analyst added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the middle, it brings greater energy and more ways to close down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to position Jude wide right. Certainly his role included to track the forward's positioning on the ball and found openings, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to move into the penalty area and position himself near just outside the box, where he poses a threat. Additionally, he moved centrally to block central spaces and make the opponent's play challenging.”

Conflict Issues Exposed

Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his name were sung multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

However recently there were various accounts in recent months that Real Madrid would consider letting him leave if the right offer was made.

He has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet discussions on a renewal have not progressed.

His response after coming off late in the game indicated strained relations. Post-game, he was held back as he attempted to confront Lamine Yamal.

The expert said, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, since it displayed a lack of respect for the substitute who replaced him.”

Yet, growing up, his life has been in a challenging environment, and perceives that the world is hostile.”

Such thinking is hard to change, notably when you feel on the verge of the best player, then the club drives the axis towards Mbappe as the key figure.”

Recently he believes that the club is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy an offer worth €250 million for his transfer and sell him.”

He is aware of this, so when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, because Vinicius stopped dropping back as required – in Vinicius' head he questions why single me out?’.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's derbies, Sunday's performance represented Barca's shaky early form.

Fitness issues have robbed Hansi Flick of important stars such as 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 when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

Opponents find it simpler to attack them. If the defensive line is not organized, like on the Mbappe goal as Balde kept him onside, they receive little support from the attack not closing down those on the ball as expected.”

The young talent, tormentor-in-chief in previous meetings, was kept largely in check.

The big names were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he is at his best, maybe due to injury issues