Real Madrid Impressive but Vinicius Junior Tensions Grow – Major Spanish Derby Talking Points

The match represented nearly a flawless outing for the Madrid side, as they overcame Barca two goals to one in El Clasico to increase their advantage at the top in the domestic championship with a five-point cushion.

The English midfielder got his inaugural domestic strike along with assist this term following a tough period coming back from surgery on his shoulder.

Kylian Mbappe continued his clinical performance in front of goal, while the manager's strategy during his debut El Clasico in the dugout proved brilliantly.

However the Vinicius Junior question came to the forefront yet again.

Dissatisfied at his substitution, the star forward complained as he walked right by Xabi Alonso before headed down the tunnel, before returning to the substitute area after a short while.

Tactical Setup Delivers Success from the Midfielder

As first Clasicos go, this wasn't a bad one, considering the majority of Madrid's last eight coaches lost their first La Liga encounter against Barca.

Following the laissez-faire approach from the previous coach failed to get results earlier, the new tactical system delivered a significant outcome.

A specialist observed, “He got it spot on. Real Madrid were very good, while Barcelona were off-color because of Madrid's tactics.”

When not in possession, they applied pressure for as long as they could, if overcome, they fell back with discipline, everybody even the forward.”

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

The new system appears to be beneficial for Jude, as he last season was expected to carry the midfield in the engine room and beyond.

On paper Bellingham started wide right, but in practice he was allowed to come inside and assist the attack or crash the penalty area.

Balague stated, “By using the French midfielder in the center, this provides increased movement and additional options to shut down the passing lanes.”

“That forced them to deploy Bellingham wide right. Certainly he would have been asked to keep an eye on Mbappe's movements on the ball with room, and he located him a few times.”

“He was asked to get into the box and position himself near just outside the box, his most effective zone. He also came inside to block central spaces and make Barca's task challenging.”

Conflict Issues Revealed

It's clear that Madridistas love Vinicius, his name rang out on several occasions by the passionate Madrid fans.

However multiple countless reports over the past period that Los Blancos could entertain allowing his departure if an attractive proposal was made.

Vinicius will have one season to go under his current terms when this term concludes, yet discussions on a renewal have stalled.

The player's reaction to being replaced in the second half indicated strained relations. Post-game, teammates intervened as he attempted to confront Yamal.

The analyst said, He will face backlash for good reason, since it displayed poor sportsmanship for Rodrygo taking his place.”

“But since being a kid, he has lived amid adversity, and perceives that everyone is against him.”

This mindset is tough to overcome, especially when you feel near the best player, but the team shifts the focus to Mbappe as the star.”

During this campaign he has perceived that Real Madrid is not defending him. Rumors indicate, perhaps from within, or with the club not denying it, that they would be open an offer worth €250 million for him and let him go.”

He is aware of this, and when Alonso subbed him – justifiably, since he wasn't defending as he should – in Vinicius' head he says ‘why me, why me again?.”

Building bridges will be tough to mend relations among the parties and the player at the moment.”

Their System “Struggles”

After winning each of the previous campaign's Clasicos, this outing highlighted Barcelona's unconvincing early form.

Absences have deprived the manager of important stars including Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo, and his system is failing without them.

The expert said, Barcelona appear are slightly off without the ball, with less desire to win it back, less aggressive in pressing.”

“It's easier to create chances against them. If the defensive line is flawed, which was the case the Mbappe goal as Balde played him onside, the midfield doesn't assist by teammates failing to press those on the ball as expected.”

Lamine Yamal, tormentor-in-chief of Real last season, was neutralized.

“Their stars were below par. Yamal doesn't feel like he's in good form, perhaps he's suffering from groin problems

Amanda Wilson
Amanda Wilson

A passionate gamer and strategy expert with years of experience in creating detailed game guides and tutorials.