🔗 Share this article The Madrid Giants Commanding but Vinicius Strains Grow – Important El Clasico Talking Points It was almost an ideal day for Xabi Alonso's squad, who overcame Barca 2-1 during the famous derby and extend their advantage in first place of the domestic championship with a five-point cushion. Jude Bellingham notched his inaugural goal in the league and key pass this campaign after a challenging period coming back from shoulder surgery. Mbappe continued his deadly form in front of goal, and Alonso's tactics in his inaugural Clasico as coach functioned like a charm. But then the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront once more. Dissatisfied with being substituted, the Brazilian winger ranted on his way directly past his manager before stormed off the pitch, then coming back to the bench after a short while. Alonso System Yields Positive Outcomes from Bellingham As first Clasicos go, Alonso did well, given that the majority of Real's recent managers lost their first La Liga meeting against their rivals. Following the player-focused style under Ancelotti failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system produced a significant outcome. A specialist observed, The strategy worked brilliantly. Madrid performed excellently, while Barcelona struggled because of Madrid's tactics.” Defensively, they applied pressure as much as possible, if overcome, they retreated in a structured manner, everybody including the forward.” The team's shape with two banks separated by 5-10 meters. The opposition struggled to penetrate.” This approach looks to be positive for the midfielder, who previously had been tasked to do everything in midfield and beyond. On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but in practice he was allowed to move centrally and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area. The expert continued, Employing Eduardo Camavinga in the center, you get more dynamism and more ways to block the spaces.” This led to the team to deploy Bellingham on the right-hand side. I'm sure he would have been asked to monitor the forward's positioning in possession with room, and he located him a few times.” His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the outskirts of the area, where he poses a threat. He also drifted in to cut off passing options and make the opponent's play very difficult.” Strained Relations Revealed Undoubtedly that supporters are fond of the Brazilian, calls for him rang out multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans. However multiple various accounts in recent months that Los Blancos might think about allowing his departure if the right offer arrived. He will have one year remaining under his current terms come the end of the season, but discussions on a renewal have not progressed. The player's reaction after coming off late in the game spoke of tension. After the full-time whistle, he was held back when he moved toward Yamal. The analyst commented, He will face backlash and rightly so, as it demonstrated a lack of respect for the substitute who came on for him.” However, from a young age, his life has been in a hostile world, and perceives that he faces opposition.” “That mentality is hard to change, especially when you consider yourself close to being number one in the world, and the organization redirects attention to Mbappe as the star.” Recently he believes that the club is not defending him. Reports suggest, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and sell him.” “He feels all that, and after he was taken off – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as expected – in Vinicius' head he questions ‘why me, why me again?.” “It will be difficult to build a bridge among the parties and him currently.” Barcelona Style “Crumbles” After winning each of the previous campaign's matches, the latest display highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing start to the campaign. Injuries have left without the manager of crucial contributors such as Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski plus others, and his system is failing without them. The analyst commented, The squad seems lack sharpness defensively, with less desire to win it back, with reduced intensity in pressing.” Opponents find it simpler to create chances against them. If the defensive line is not perfect, like on Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates not challenging opponents in possession as expected.” Yamal, who troubled Madrid in previous meetings, was neutralized. The big names did not perform well. Lamine seems not in top condition, maybe due to injury issues