Real Madrid Strong but Vinicius Junior Issues Grow – Important El Clasico Takeaways

It was practically a flawless day from Xabi Alonso's squad, as they defeated their arch-rivals 2-1 during the famous derby and stretch the gap at the summit of the Spanish league by five points.

Jude Bellingham notched his maiden league goal and assist of the season following a tough spell healing from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe showed his deadly form in attack, while Alonso's tactics during his debut derby as coach worked brilliantly.

Yet the Brazilian's situation came to the forefront another time.

Dissatisfied at coming off, the star forward complained on his way directly past Xabi Alonso before marched to the dressing room, before reappearing on the sidelines several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, given that seven of Madrid's previous eight managers were defeated in their initial league encounter with Barca.

After the relaxed method from the previous coach fell short earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were very good, and Barca struggled because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they pressed high as much as possible, and when bypassed, they retreated in an organised way, everybody including Vinicius.”

Their defensive setup in two lines separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition were unable to break through.”

The new system looks to be beneficial for the midfielder, as he last season was expected to do everything in the engine room and beyond.

In the lineup the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he could to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in central midfield, this provides increased movement and better ability to block the passing lanes.”

“That forced the team to deploy Jude wide right. Certainly he was instructed to track Mbappe's movements when he had the ball with room, and he located him on several occasions.”

“He was asked to get into the box and operate on the outskirts of the area, where he is very dangerous. He also drifted in to close the inside channels and make Barcelona's life tough.”

Vinicius Tensions Revealed

It's clear that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, his chant was chanted multiple times by an enthusiastic Bernabeu crowd.

Yet multiple various accounts over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain letting him leave if an attractive proposal were to come in.

He has a year left under his current terms at the end of the campaign, yet negotiations for an extension have not progressed.

Vinicius' behavior to being replaced in the second half indicated tension. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst noted, “Everyone will have a go at him and rightly so, as it demonstrated poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo who replaced him.”

However, from a young age, he has existed in a challenging environment, and he believes that the world is hostile.”

“That mentality is tough to overcome, notably when you feel close to being the top star, but the team shifts the focus in favor of Mbappe as the star.”

“This season he's felt that the club has not supported him. Rumors indicate, possibly leaked by the club, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open an offer worth a quarter-billion euros to sign him and sell him.”

“He feels all that, and after he was taken off – reasonably, as he ceased tracking back as required – to him he questions why always me?.”

“It will be difficult to reconcile between the club and the player currently.”

Barca's Approach “Falls Apart”

Following victories in all four of recent matches, Sunday's performance represented their uncertain early form.

Injuries have left without the Barcelona coach of key players such as Raphinha, Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and the tactical setup is not effective in their absence.

The analyst commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness when not in possession, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity to reclaim the ball.”

Opponents find it simpler to break them down. If the defensive line is flawed, as it wasn't the Mbappe goal since the defender played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press opponents in possession adequately.”

Lamine Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Lamine doesn't feel like he's in good form, maybe due to injury issues

Todd Wright
Todd Wright

Award-winning filmmaker and industry analyst with over a decade of experience in documentary and commercial production.