🔗 Share this article

The match represented practically a perfect day for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barcelona 2-1 in El Clasico to stretch their advantage at the top of La Liga by five points.

Bellingham got his inaugural goal in the league along with key pass of the season after a tough few months coming back from a shoulder operation.

Kylian Mbappe maintained his deadly performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy in his inaugural derby on the sidelines worked like a charm.

But then the issue surrounding Vinicius came to the forefront another time.

Frustrated at his substitution, the Brazilian winger complained while walking straight past his manager and marched down the tunnel, before reappearing to the bench several minutes.

Tactical Setup Delivers Results from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, especially since the majority of Real's recent managers lost their debut league meeting against Barcelona.

Following the laissez-faire style under Ancelotti did not deliver earlier, Alonso's positional game-model delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Madrid were impressive, and Barca were off-color due to the home team's approach.”

“Without the ball, they pushed up consistently, if overcome, they retreated in an organised way, all players even Vinicius.”

“They defended with two banks spaced by five to 10 metres. Barca could not find a way through.”

The tactical change seems positive for the midfielder, who in the past was expected to do everything in the engine room and additional duties.

On paper the young star was positioned on the right, but actually he could to drift inward and either assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague added, “By using Eduardo Camavinga in the center, it brings increased movement and better ability to close down the spaces.”

As a result them to position Jude on the right flank. I'm sure his role included to monitor the runs of Mbappe when he had the ball and found openings, and he found him a few times.”

His instructions included to move into the penalty area and be around the edge of the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to cut off passing options creating Barcelona's life tough.”

Strained Relations Revealed

Undoubtedly that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name was chanted multiple times by the passionate Madrid fans.

But there have been various accounts over the past period that the club could entertain allowing his departure if the right offer were to come in.

The winger will have one year remaining on his deal when this term concludes, but discussions on a renewal are at a standstill.

His response after coming off with 20 minutes left indicated issues. After the full-time whistle, he had to be restrained as he tried to approach the Barcelona player.

The expert said, He will face backlash and justifiably, because it showed a lack of respect for Rodrygo who came on for him.”

Yet, growing up, he has lived in a challenging environment, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

“That mentality is difficult to shake, especially when you believe near the top star, but the team drives the axis in favor of Mbappe as the main man.”

Recently he believes that Real Madrid has not supported him. There are stories, potentially club-sourced, or not denied by the club, that they wouldn't be unhappy a bid of €250 million to sign him and allow him to leave.”

“He feels all that, and after the coach substituted him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he says why single me out?’.”

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

Barcelona Style “Struggles”

After winning each of the last season's derbies, the latest display was emblematic of Barca's shaky beginning of the season.

Absences have robbed Hansi Flick of key players including Raphinha, the striker plus others, and the approach isn't working without them.

Balague commented, “It's like the whole team lack sharpness defensively, not as eager to regain possession, with reduced intensity in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. When the backline is not organized, which was the case Mbappe's strike because Alejandro Balde failed to step up, the midfield doesn't assist from the attack failing to press the ball-carrier as well as they should.”

Lamine Yamal, the main threat of Real last season, was well contained.

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